Liquid fermentation Entomophthoralean fungi

• Grant number: 17/08013-5
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: October 23, 2017
• End date: December 22, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Italo Delalibera Júnior
• Grantee: Italo Delalibera Júnior
• Visiting researcher: Annette Bruun Jensen
• Visiting researcher institution: University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The purpose of the visit will be to conduct research on mass production of species within the specialized group of fungi from the phylum Entomophthoromycota with the overall aim of implementing these fungi in biological control strategies. Fungi from Entomophthoromycota have high potential to be used for pest control because of their epizootic potential. Difficulties in mass production of these fastidious fungi and subsequent production of long lived infective unites have, however, so far hampered their utilization. The research will be divided into three parts: 1) mass production by liquid fermentation and blasto spore production, 2) desiccation tolerance and recovery procedures and 3) infection experiments on selected pest insects, leafhoppers Empoasca sp. and/or the two spotted spidermite Tetranychus urticae. In addition to the research Professor Jensen will also supervise MSc and PhD, she will contribute to teaching, give seminars and during her visit she will meet with new potential collaborators. (AU)