In vitro cultivation of the entomopathogenic fungus<i>Entomophthora thripidum</i>: isolation, growth requirements, and sporulation

Abstract

Entomophthora thripidum Samson, Ramakers & Oswald (Zygomycota, Entomophthorales) was isolated from Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera, Thripidae; onion or potato thrips). Vegetative fungal cells were released into culture medium by opening surface sterilized insects and multiplied in Grace's insect tissue culture medium supplemented with yeastolate, lactalbumin hydrolysate and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). These cells grew as protoplasts (no staining for cell wall) and aggregated to form pellets that were only observed in vitro. After exhaustion of the medium, walled mycelium formed which produced forcibly ejected spores when transferred onto water agar.