Comparative study of fungal stability between Metarhizium strains after successive subculture

Abstract Background Metarhizium species are considered one of the most outstanding powerful biological control agents that have been commercialized as biopesticides against various agricultural pests. Fungal stability with successive in vitro cultivation is a desirable trait for large-scale production fungal biopesticide. Main body The new Egyptian strain anisopliae AUMC 3262 exhibited auspicious results when compared to brunneum ARSEF 4556 and M. V275 based on variations characteristics, essential quality parameters (radial growth rate, conidial yield, viability, virulence) after repeated subculturing. Changes morphological characteristics were noted at both 4556. Following 5th subculture, decreased yield was noted, though radial remained stable, confirming there non-positive correlation between rate these species. In contrast, showed high stability, subculture. three tested strains manifested viability up 100% displayed same pattern Pr1 production. A slight variation recorded median lethal time (LT 50 ) values great wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.), larvae different subcultures strains. Conclusion difference some subculture ARSEF4556 V275.