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ISSN 2063-5346
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IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIAL MICROFLORA OF THE DISEASED BANANA LEAFROLLER (Erionota sp. Linn.)

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Honey Jane C. Mascariñas
» doi: 10.48047/ecb/2023.12.si6.700

Abstract

Although banana production grew to a more profitable yield, insect pests became one of the most common problems for the farmers. This study is a survey of bacterial microflora isolated from the diseased banana leafroller (Erionota sp. Linn.) that were collected from different sampling sites. Characterization of bacterial isolates was performed using cultural tests, morphological tests, and physiological tests. Seven different bacterial isolates were identified from the diseased insects. These were Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Corynebacterium species, Methylococcus species, Micrococcus luteus, Planococcus species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Of the seven identified bacteria, Micrococcus luteus was the most abundant and was almost present in all diseased insects collected. There was variability within the insect host as to the occurrence of the specific bacterial microflora. Bacillus cereus, Corynebacterium species, Methylococcus species, and Planococcus species were considered host-specific while Bacillus thuringiensis, Micrococcus luteus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from both larval and pupal stages of the host insects. The findings of this study provide a possible tool to combat insect pests of the banana plantations. However, it is important to undertake more research on the bacterial microflora isolated from the diseased banana leafroller and determine the degree of pathogenicity of this microbial flora on the infected host.

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