PCR Based Identification of Metarhizium anisopliae using Inter Transcribed Spacers (ITS)

Shahid Raza, Ambash Riaz, Hira Mubeen and Ayesha Alam*

Abstract

The entomopathogenic fungi have been isolated from insects and used in fighting against number of pests by acting as biocontrol agent. They are safe for plants, animals and the environment as compared to conventional pesticides. Moreover, the entomopathogenic fungi genetic variability is thought as one of the chief control parameters for insects. In this study, inter transcribed spacers (ITS) region of M. anisopilae that has been implemented to play diverse role in armoring M. anisopilae against various pest was characterized using conventional polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. For this purpose, the genomic DNA of M. anisopilae was extracted and a 700bp fragment of ribosomal DNA (r-DNA) that was characterized as ITS was amplified using ITS specific primers. The results indicated that inter transcribed spacers (ITS) region is indispensable for Metarhizium anisopliae mediated biological control of insects. Further in-depth studies are required to evaluate factors such as the genetic variability and genetic diversity that are responsible for the conferring pesticidal effects in other fungal species.