SHREE VERTICILLIUM

Verticillium lecanii – Biocontrol Agent
Verticillium lecanii is an entomopathogenic fungus. The mycelium of this fungus produces a cyclodepsipeptide toxin called bassianolide and other insecticidal toxins such as dipicolinic acid, which infect aphids, whiteflies, rust fungi, scale insects and lead to death the host. The spores of this fungus when come in contact with the cuticle (skin) of target insects, they germinate and grow directly through the cuticle to the inner body of their host. The fungus proliferates throughout the insect’s body, draining the insect of nutrients, and eventually killing it in around 48-72 hours.