SEM STUDY ON THE INVASION OF NOMURAEA-RILEYI (FARLOW) ON SILKWORM, BOMBYX-MORI LINN. CAUSING GREEN MUSCARDINE

The mature conidia of Nomuraea rileyi (Farlow) germinate on the larval integument of Bombyx mori within 24 h and penetrate the cuticle withi n 36 h after inoculation at 24.0 +/- 1.0 degrees C temperature and 80. 0 +/- 5.0% relative humidity. The penetrating hyphae multiply by buddi ng and septa formation in the hemocoel, and the larva succumbs to the infection 6-7 days post-treatment. The hyphal bodies elongate and beco me interwoven with other hyphae forming a mycelial complex across diff erent tissues. The ramification of hyphae along the epidermal tissue r esults in larval mummification in 7-8 days. Numerous conidiophores eme rge, producing a confluent white fungal mat over the entire surface of the host larva by 9-10 days. Pale green conidia develop, making the l arval body green. Life cycle of the fungus on B. mori is completed in 10-11 days.