Cost-effective multiplication of the entomopathogenic fungus Nomuraea rileyi (F) Samson
Cost-effective and rapid multiplication of Nomuraea rileyi is reported. The spore yields in semi-synthetic media were comparable or significantly higher to the standard medium. Maltose and peptone, carbon and nitrogen sources could be effectively replaced with 2% barley extract and 1% soybean extract respectively. However, replacement of yeast extract with dry yeast resulted in lower spore yields. Sporulation of the fungus multiplied on solid substrate was possible only when the bags used had a 0.2 μm filter to facilitate passive exchange of sterile air. A high spore yield of 2.8 × 109/g of substrate was realized on crushed sorghum.
Identification of Virulent Isolates of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Nomuraea Rileyi (F) Samson for the Management of Helicoverpa Armigera and Spodoptera Litura
Eleven geographical isolates of the entomopathogenic fungusNomuraea rileyi (Farlow) Samson of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)/Spodoptera litura(Fabricius) origin were studied for efficacy against the two host insects. Laboratory bioassays at a concentrationof 2 × 108 conidiaml-1 indicated that N. rileyi isolates of S. lituraorigin were better in terms of time taken for mycosis and mortality in both the test larvae: S. litura(77–80% mortality in 7 days) and H. armigera (79–85% in 8 days). Among the isolates of S. litura origin, geographical isolates from Hyderabad and Karimnagar were superior in terms of high percentkill as well as 100% germination of conidia within 48 h. Fastest germination was observed withKarimnagar isolate followed by Hyderabad isolate. Conidial yield was highest on barley-carrotextract-yeast extract medium. However in terms of material cost, barley-yeast extract medium was the lowest.The Karimnagar isolate of S. litura origin gave the highest conidial yield on barley-yeast extract medium.Chitinolytic enzyme profiles of different isolates revealed polymorphism in all the isolates from S. lituraorigin. Overall among the parameters studied the best traits were found in the Karimnagar isolate ofS. litura origin.
The status of FAO and codex alimentarius developments on vegetable proteins
The FAO is interested in increasing world protein supplies both by advising and assisting developing countries to increase their production of staple foods and by encouraging the development of technology to produce protein concentrates both from vegetable and animal sources to supplement diets which are low in protein content. Recent revisions of the amount of protein required in the diet in relation to total per capita energy requirements and the difficulties encountered in introducing novel foods into established dietary patterns has led FAO to concentrate on increased agricultural productions in developing countries as the primary means of combatting malnutrition. In the meantime, in North America and Europe, advances in the technology of processing vegetable proteins has given highly acceptable products simulating meats which are being used as meat extenders and meat analogues. The consequent increase in vegetable protein production has revealed a need for international, agreement on standardization, and it has been agreed that this will be undertaken by the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards’ Programme. The program operates chiefly through the Codex Alimentarius, Commission, an international governmental body, the purpose of which is to protect consumers against health hazard in food and against fraud. The Commission, which has 116 member governments, controls an intensive program of work covering the composition, labeling, additives, contaminants, pesticide residues, hygiene, sampling and analysis aspects of foods and has established a procedure which allows member governments ample opportunity to reach agreement on food standards and to accept them for incorporation into national legislation. The Codex Commission, at its 12th session, decided to establish a Committee on Vegetable Proteins with the following terms of references: “to elaborate definitions and world-wide standards for vegetable protein products deriving from soybeams, cottonseed, groundnuts, cereals and from other vegetable sources as they come into use for human consumption, and to elaborate guidelines on utilization of such vegetable protein products in the food supply system, on nutritional requirements and safety on labeling and on other aspects as may seem appropriate.” The question of which country will host the Committee is still under discussion.