Studies on influence of magnesium, calcium, ferrous and zinc nanomaterials on production and multiplication of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo)

Abstract

The entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana displays a broad host range. More than 200 insect species from nine orders of insects, mainly Lepidoptera and Coleoptera have been recorded as hosts. The B. bassiana grown under nano based SDAY media recorded the highest number of conidia 9.1, 8.3, 7.5 and 6.7 per ml was recorded with MgO at 50ppm, CaO at 20 ppm, ZnO at 20 ppm, FeO 10 ppm. Similar trend was observed during 2017 also. The growth of the B. bassiana was increased upto certain concentrations of the nanoparticles, later the growth was decreased by increased concentrations. This might be due to disruption or disorganization of bacterial cell walls due to interaction of nanoparticles, induction of intracellular antibacterial effects, including interactions with DNA and proteins and accumulation of nanoparticles in the cytoplasm or on the outer membranes.