Cordyceps sp. an important entomopathogenic fungus of cicada nymphs at Ramu, Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

Nymphs of the cicadid Baeturia papuensis and B. valida have become pests of commercial
sugarcane at Ramu Sugar estate, Papua New Guinea. Field observations made in 1989-92 showed that the first monsoon rains in October/November significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced mortality by a pathogenic fungus, Cordyceps sp Mortalities of 5th instar nymphs in the field ranged from 2-67%, 0-80% and 0-50% in 1990, 1991 and 1992, respectively. Attempts to artificially innoculate planting furrows with ground cadavers infected with Cordyceps sp. are also discussed.