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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/E522308/1

Determining the stability and conidial yield of the entomogenous fungus Metarhizium anisopliae

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor TM Butt, Swansea University, Biological Sciences
Science Area:
Terrestrial
Overall Classification:
Terrestrial
ENRIs:
Pollution and Waste
Natural Resource Management
Environmental Risks and Hazards
Biodiversity
Science Topics:
Environmental Microbiology
Environment & Health
Environmental Physiology
Conservation Ecology
Environmental biotechnology
Abstract:
Three strains of the insect-pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae have been identified through an earlier NERC funded project that are highly pathogenic to ticks, which are important pests of livestock and vectors of zoonotic diseases. Subsequent studies showed that these strains are also efficacious against insect pests. Two independent consultants have established that markets exist for Metarhizium-based products but these must be produced economically and without a decline in quality in order to compete with conventional chemical pesticides. Two key factors that greatly influence the product cost are the stability of the strains and conidial yield. Fungi can readily degenerate (lose virulence and exhibit phenotypic instability) when continuously maintained on nutrient rich media. The focus of this project is to determine the stability and conidial yield of the Metarhizium strains and establish which are worth commercialising.
Period of Award:
1 Oct 2006 - 30 Sep 2007
Value:
£80,903
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/E522308/1
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Follow on Fund (FEC)
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Follow on Fund

This grant award has a total value of £80,903  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

DI - Other CostsIndirect - Indirect CostsDA - InvestigatorsDA - Estate CostsDI - Staff
£9,608£34,527£3,510£9,168£24,091

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