Factors affecting growth of a new isolate of egg parasitic fungus Pochonia suchlasporia on in vitro culture media

In an endeavour to obtain wild isolates of egg parasitic fungi from Chhattisgarh, 56 faecal, animal bedding and manure heap samples were screened during December, 2010 to June, 2011 from areas around Anjora, Durg. Only one egg parasitic fungus could be isolated. Morphology, morphometry and their anatomical structures led to their identification as Pochonia suchlasporia. The growth of the fungus was found superior in corn meal agar compared to sabouraud glucose agar and potato dextrose agar. Though significant growth of the fungus was recorded between 18°-40°C, the optimum temperature observed for their growth was 26°C and optimal pH required for growth was 6 but further acidic pH (4 and 5) adversely affected their in vitro growth. Carbendazim concentrations of 2.5 to 4.5 ppm, significantly inhibited the fungal growth. The influence was so pronounced that the fungus couldn't grow in presence of 4.5 ppm concentration of Carbendazim. Significance of these observations are discussed.