Characterisation of Metarhizium majus (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) isolated from the Western Cape province, South Africa

Abstract Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are important soil-dwelling entomopathogens, which can be used as biocontrol agents against pest insects. During a survey of the orchard soil at an organic farm, the EPF were identified to species level, using both morphological and molecular techniques. The EPF were trapped from soil samples, taken from an apricot orchard, which were baited in the laboratory, using susceptible host insects. The identification of Metarhizium majus from South African soil, using both morphological and molecular techniques, is verified. The occurrence of M. majus in the South African soil environment had not previously been reported.