Multiplication of entomopathogenic fungus (Lecanicillium lecanii) on apple pomace and its toxicity against aphid (Aphis craccivora)

The apple pomace (AP) was standardized for the multiplication ofLecanicillium lecaniiand evaluated againstAphis craccivora. Results showed that AP medium at 2% recorded more mycelial growth and were at par with AP 3%, 4%, and 5% as compared to other concentrations. The spore yield ofL. lecaniialso significantly higher in AP 5% (16 x 10(6)spores ml(-1)) and was at par with AP 0.5%.L. lecaniiat 1 x 10(9)spores ml(-1)showed maximum mortality (43.33-93.33% mortality) againstA. craccivoraand was followed by 1 x 10(8)spores ml(-1)(36.67-86.67% mortality).