Metarhizium indicum, a new species of entomopathogenic fungus infecting leafhopper, Busoniomimus manjunathi from India

A new species of entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium indicum, which derives its species epithet after its Indian origin is reported here. The fungus was found to cause natural epizootics in leafhopper (Busoniomimus man-junathi) infesting Garcinia gummi-gutta (Malabar tamarind), an evergreen spice tree native to South and Southeast Asia, known for its use as a culinary flavourant, dietary supplement and traditional remedy for various human ailments. The fungus was found to cause more than 60% mortality in field collected insects. The identity of the new species was established based on its distinct morphological characteristics and multi-gene sequence data analyses. Phylogenetic analyses using internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), DNA lyase (APN2) and a concatenated set of four marker genes [translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF), beta-tubulin (BTUB), RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2)] along with marked differences in nucleotide composition and genetic distance unambiguously support our claim that the present fungus infecting Garcinia leafhopper is a new addition to the genus Metarhizium.

Automated summary

A new species of entomopathogenic fungus, named Metarhizium indicum, has been discovered in India. This fungus causes natural epidemics in leafhoppers infesting the Malabar tamarind tree, resulting in over 60% mortality of the insects. It has been identified as a new addition to the genus Metarhizium based on its distinct morphology and genetic analysis.