Control of Antifungal-resistant Strains of Aspergillus niger Mold Contaminants in Insect Rearing Media12

Abstract

Thirty-seven antimicrobials were tested in vitro against antifungal-resistant Aspergillus niger van Tieghew cultures and 7 of the most effective were tested in vivo with the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.). Dowco 263® (pyridinedicarbonitrile: 3,4,5-Trichloro), folcid, and folpet were the most effective of these chemicals as tested. Comparatively less effective in vivo were benomyl, Bravo 6F® (tetrachloroisophethaonitrile) and pimaricin. Dowco 263, folcid, and folpet also were tested with the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner). Folcid proved less effective than with tobacco budworms. Thimerosal was an effective mold inhibitor but was toxic to larvae. None of the other test chemicals were injurious to the insects.