Record of Nomuraea rileyi (Farlow) Samson (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) in Hypocala sp. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) from the Mangroves of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Hypocala sp. the defoliating insect causes regular infestation on Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. in the mangroves of Mumbai region particularly in Airoli creek of Navi Mumbai areas. This pest is prevalent during the post monsoon period in Airoli and nearby mangroves of Maharashtra State. The assessment intensity level of infestation revealed that moderate to severe infestation was recorded during the year 2018. An entomopathogenic fungus, Nomuraea rileyi (Farlow) Samson strain isolated from the field collected cadavers of Hypocala sp. was evaluated for its efficacy and effectiveness against the larvae of Hypocala sp. in laboratory condition. The native strain of N. rileyi showed highest level of larval mortality of 96 % and 100% in the concentration of 2.4× 108 and 2.4 × 1010 Spores/ml respectively in the fifth day after treatment.