In vitro screening of egg parasitic fungus Pochonia suchlasporia for its possible use as biocontrol agent against fasciolosis and amphistomosis in ruminants

Influence of media types and presence of benzimidazoles in culture media were investigated with egg parasitic fungus Pochonia suchlasporia isolated from Chhattisgarh Maximum growth of the fungus was obtained in Corn Meal Agar followed by Sabouraud Glucose Agar and Potato Dextrose Agar. Lowest growth was observed in Nutrient Agar where maximum growth of 90 mm was obtained at 624 h of incubation. Significant (P<0.001) inhibition in colony diameters of P. suchlasporia was recorded at all concentrations (0.5–4.5 ppm) of carbendazim during 24–168 h of incubation compared to controls. Growth of P. suchlasporia was significantly (P<0.001) inhibited at all concentrations of albendazole (0.5–4.5 ppm). However, after initial lag phase of 120 h, growth of P. suchalsporia picked up and reached at maximum of 78 mm at 696 h of incubation at albendazole concentration of 0.5 ppm. Benzimidazole fungicide and anthelmintics could have a negative impact on survival and multiplication of egg parasitic fungi when deployed to control fasciolosis and amphistomosis in ruminants.