ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI OF SCHIZAPHIS GRAMINUM (ROND.) (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE) INFESTING WHEAT PLANTS IN ASSIUT, EGYPT

Eight species of entomopathogenic fungi were identified and recorded naturally infecting the greenbug infesting wheat plants during 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 wheat growing seasons in Assiut, Egypt. These fungi including six entomophthorales (Conidiobolus coronatus; Entomophthora planchoniana; Neozygites fresenii; Pandora neoaphids; Paecilomyces lilacinus and Zoophthora radicans) and two hyphomycetes (Beauveria bassiana and Verticillium lecanii). Data revealed that the aphid began to infest wheat plants at the beginning of January when wheat plants were in tillering stage. Aphid numbers increased gradually to reach a peak during the second half of February when the plants were in the booting stage. Then, the population declined till vanishing from the field during the end of March when the plants were in the ripening stage. Mortality rate with the fungal pathogens was recorded from the end of January up to the end of March. The numbers of cadavers increased gradually to reach the maximum level during the end of March and synchronized with aphid population.