Development of a PCR-based diagnostic assay for the specific detection of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum.

The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum is registered as a mycopesticide for acridid control in Africa and Australia. Traditionally, identification of M.

Assessment of health and growth of ring-necked pheasants following consumption of infected insects or conidia of entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum and Beauveria bassiana, from Madagascar and North America.

Isolates of two fungi (Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum) from Madagascar are being developed for control of grasshoppers and locusts, as part of a search for alternatives to environmentally detrimental chemical insecticides. The probable effects of these entomopathogens on nontarget species must be determined before operational use.