Biochemical infection mechanism and life cycle
Metarhizium acts through physical cuticle penetration rather than stomach ingestion.
Infection stages:
- Spore attachment: Fungal conidia adhere to the insect's outer chitinous cuticle upon contact.
- Enzymatic penetration: Germinating spores produce specialized enzymes (chitinases, proteases, esterases) that dissolve the insect's cuticle.
- Mycelial proliferation: Fungal hyphae enter the hemolymph, releasing destruxin toxins that cause insect paralysis within 48 to 72 hours.
- Green muscardine symptom: After death, white mycelium emerges from the insect cadaver and turns characteristically dark green with new conidial spores.
Target insect pests and field application techniques
Metarhizium provides targeted biological control across diverse cropping systems.
Application guidelines:
- Soil pests: Controls white grubs (Holotrichia species) in sugarcane and groundnut, and termites in wheat and orchards.
- Plantation pests: Controls rhinoceros beetle larvae in coconut compost pits and oil palm basins.
- Soil enrichment: Mix 2 to 3 kg of Metarhizium formulation per acre with 100 kg of well-rotted farmyard manure (FYM); incubate in shade for a week before soil broadcasting.
- Drenching: Apply via drip irrigation or root drenching during early monsoon when soil moisture is favorable.
Storage, compatibility and organic farming standards
Store bio-pesticide packets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never mix Metarhizium with chemical fungicides, as fungicides kill the living fungal spores. Approved under national organic standards and certified by the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming at ncof.dacnet.nic.in.
Official source
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Common questions
What is Metarhizium anisopliae?
It is an entomopathogenic bio-control fungus (green muscardine fungus) that infects and kills destructive soil insect grubs, termites, and beetles.
Why is it called the green muscardine fungus?
Because upon insect mortality, the fungal mycelium produces a dense layer of dark green spores covering the dead insect body.
Can Metarhizium be applied together with chemical fungicides?
No, chemical fungicides will neutralize the living fungal conidia; maintain a minimum interval of 10-15 days between treatments.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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