Author : Dang Thanh Ho

Summary : The cultural characteristics, pathogenicity of Aspergillus parasiticus Speare on sugarcane mealybug, Saccharicoccus sacchari Cockerell and mice were studied. glucose or fructose and yeast extract were observed to enhance the growth and sporulation of the fungus. Of the locally produced materials such as sweet potato, mongo, corn, and rice, sweet potato meal mixed with coconut water and coconut milk (gata) supported the best growth and sporulation of the fungus. Favorable temperature for mass producing the fungus was lower than that needed for fungus infection on mealybug. Room temperature (26-31 deg C) was found to be most favorable for mass production of the fungus on sweet potato and coconut media. The effect of the fungus was mostly due to mechanical destruction of the vital organ of the insect. The ovarioles were invaded first and followed by alimentary canal.