NSCPHD1091 Methods in insect pathology with focus on entomopathogenic fungi

Volume 2013/2014
Content
Hands on introduction to methods used in insect pathology with focus on entomopathogenic fungi (Ascospherales, Entomophthorales and Hypocreales). The main areas include: a) Identification and taxonomy b) Isolation of entomopathogenic fungi from insects c) In vitro and in vivo cultivation d) Cryo-preservation of in vitro cultures of entomopathogenic fungi for long term storage e) Bioassay techniques of entomopathogenic fungi, including estimation of dose, analysis of data.

The course covers theoretical and practical aspects of identification and taxonomy of Ascospherales, Entomophthorales and Hypocreales. This part includes preparation of sexual and asexual spore slides (Ascomata, resting spore and conidia), brief introduction to mycological terms used for classification and identification. Training in identification will be performed on class material covering the most common genera of insectpathogenic fungi and include different staining methods.

The course will give an introduction to in vitro growth of entomopathogenic fungi (in liquid and solid media). Furthermore, the course will cover techniques for in vitro isolation of entomopathogenic fungi from diseased insects followed by Cryo-preservation of in vitro cultures at -80 degrees of entomopathogenic fungi for long term storage.

Bioassay techniques of entomopathogenic fungi will cover the most commonly used assay techniques (per os, conidia shower or dipping) including spore concentration preparations and spore germination tests. Further, methods for estimation of doses and data recording will be included. Finally, data analysis will be discussed and various statistical packages will be presented.

Bissett, J. (1987): Contribution toward a monograph of the genus Ascosphaera. Can. J. Bot. 66: 2541-60.

Hajek, A. E. Papierok, B. and Eilenberg, J. (2012): Methods for study of the Entomophthorales. In.: Lacey, L. (ed.) Manual of Techniques in Insect Pathology pp. 285-315. Academic Press, San Diego, USA.

Humber, R. A. (2007): Recent phylogenetically based reclassifications of fungal pathogens of invertebrates. http:/​/​www.sipweb.org/​fungi/​humber.pdf

Humber, R. A. (2012): Identification of entomopathogenic fungi. In.: Lacey, L. (ed.), Manual of Techniques in Insect Pathology pp. 151-186. Academic Press, San Diego, USA.

Humber, R. A. (2012): Preservation of entomopathogenic fungal cultures. In.: Lacey, L. (ed.), Manual of Techniques in Insect Pathology pp. 317- 327. Academic Press, San Diego, USA.

Inglis, G. D., Enkerli, J. and Goettel, M. S. (2012) Laboratory technuiqes used for entomopathogenic fungi: Hypocreales. In.: Lacey, L. (ed.) Manual of Techniques in Insect Pathology pp. 189-215. Academic Press, San Diego, USA.


Jensen A. B., Aronstein K., Flores J. M., Vojvodic S., Palacio A., Spivak M. (2012). Methods for handling of fungal brood diseases – chalkbrood caused by Ascosphaera apis and stonebrood caused by Aspergillus spp. Journal of apicultural Research 52(1) DOI 10.3896/IBRA.1.52.1.13

Laboratory based; individually arranged
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Practical exercises
  • 80
  • Preparation
  • 10
  • Project work
  • 30
  • Total
  • 120
Credit
4 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment under invigilation