Natural occurrence of Gibberella fujikuroi and its potential for control of the woolly aphid Ceratovacuna lanigera (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Indian sugarcane plantations

Studies were conducted to determine the natural occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi and their potential for utilisation in biological control of the woolly aphid (Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner) in Indian sugarcane plantations. A fungus Gibberella fujikuroi (Sawada) Wr. (Synonym: Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg, Synonym: Fusarium moniliforme (Sheld.) emend. Snyd. and Hans.) was found to be a promising biocontrol agent. It was further characterised and its field performance was studied. Reductions of aphid populations up to 60% were observed when the fungus was applied as two sprays at a week interval in the field.