The insecticidal activity of the endophytic fungus Isaria fumosorosea Wize isolated from the leaves of the Ricinus communis L. against Locusta migratoria L. and Acanthoscelides obtectus Say

This study was conducted to evaluate the insecticidal activity of the endophytic fungus Isaria fumosorosea Wize isolated from Ricinus communis L. against Locusta migratoria L. and Acanthoscelides obtectus Say. To evaluate the insecticidal activity, a mixture of fungal extract and spore suspensions (1x107, 1x106 and 1x105 spores/ml of dissolved extract) were applied against the insects. It was found that I. fumosorosea had a good insecticidal activity, positively proportional to concentration and time after exposure (24, 48, 72 hours). A maximum mortality rate of 80% for A. obtectus and 70% for L. migratoria at 1x107 spores/ml of dissolved extract was recorded. Preliminary phytochemical analyses of the fungal extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols. Additionally, a fungal development on the insects bodies has also been noticed; that is undoubtedly explained the recorded insecticidal activity.