The Genus Beauveria, Morphological and Taxonomical Studies of Several Species and of two Strains Isolated from Wharf-Piling Borers

Abstract

SUMMARY Two strains of Beauveria isolated from the wood borer Nacerda melanura were studied and compared with named species. The chromogenic strain appeared to be closely related to if not identical with the strains of B. Bassiano and B. effusa studied. Whereas the non-chromogenic strain seemed similar to the published descriptions of B. Bassiana, the two strains of Beauveria densa were identical, and are believed to constitute a distinct species. The strain of B. globulifera appeared different from the published descriptions of this species. It is, however, probably closely related to the Bassiana group, as it has been demonstrated that variation in growth characteristics may occur. Further studies are necessary, especially of the pathogenicity of these strains, before conclusions as to species differences can be drawn. A critical study of a number of species of Tritirachium should also be made in order to determine the validity of the genus. Sections of the infected larvae were studied and described.