Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of fungi isolated from hoppers as potential entomopathogenic agents for biological control

Author

• Sandy Iremedio Cordova, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Kirsten Anja Antoinette G. Ednave, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Novo Daniel Medina Dolor, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Ryan Jethro Iban Ong, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Date of Publication

2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Thaddeus M. Carvajal

Defense Panel Chair

Christian Jordan O. Dela Rosa

Defense Panel Member

Shad Natthew S. Arce
Jan Michael P. Chan

Abstract (English)

Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) are viable biological control agents against agricultural pests and can be utilized in potential vector control management. However, studies in the Philippines regarding EPF remain limited. The study aims to identify fungi, specifically hopper-derived fungi collected in Quezon Province by the Fungi Culture Collection of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. DNA extraction was performed using the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method, followed by PCR amplification of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, specifically ITS1 - 5.8S RNA - ITS2, and then analyzed through agarose gel electrophoresis. Purified PCR products were processed by Macrogen Inc. and analyzed using NCBI BLASTn and phylogenetic tools via MEGA12. The Phylogenetic analysis revealed that DLSU PUP Sample 1 sequence is similar to the type sequence A. vagum while DLSU PUP Sample 2 was associated with four other Fusarium species. Notably A. vagum is not considered an entomopathogenic fungi while some members of the Fusarium genus exhibit entomopathogenic characteristics. The study contributes to the species identification of potential entomopathogenic fungi in the Philippines.

Abstract Format

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Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Entomopathogenic fungi; Pests—Biological control; Phylogeny—Molecular aspects

Recommended Citation

Cordova, S. I., Ednave, K. G., Dolor, N. M., & Ong, R. I. (2025). Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of fungi isolated from hoppers as potential entomopathogenic agents for biological control. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_bio/216

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Embargo Period

8-2-2026