Verticillium Lecanii

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Verticillium lecanii is a biological insecticide based on a selectivestrain of naturally-occurring entomopathogenic fungus, Verticilliumlecanii spores when comes in contact with the target insect, attaches to thecuticle (outer skin) and then germinates and grows directly through spiracleinto the inner body of the host. By taking nutrients from the insect it furtherproliferates and colonizes the entire insect and thus drains the insect ofnutrients. The infected insects eventually dies. It is a common pathogen ofscale insects in tropical and subtropical climates. V. lecanii is known as a"white-halo" fungus because of the white mycelial growth on the edgesof infected scale insects. The conidia (spores) of V. lecanii are slimy andattach to the cuticle of insects. The fungus infects insects by producinghyphae from germinating spores that penetrate the insect's integument; thefungus then destroys the internal contents and the insect dies. The funguseventually grows out through the cuticle and sporulates on the outside of thebody. Infected insects appear as white to yellowish cottony particles. Diseasedinsects usually appear in 7 days.

Advantages

It is eco-friendly and it helps to maintain the ecological balance.

Crop

Grapes, citrus, pomegranate, apple, Tomato, Chilly, Onion, Cardamom, Tea,Coffee, Floriculture, Home Gardening, Medicinal Plants

Target pests

Whiteflies, thrips, Aphids and Mealy bugs.