Molecular characterization and development of biopolymer based formulations of potential Bacillus thuringiensis and Metarhizium (Nomuraea) rileyi strains for the management of lepidopteran pests

Native strains of Metarhizium rileyi exhibiting insecticidal activity against various lepidopteran pests were genetically characterized to identify more potent candidates for integration into pest management strategies. Genetic analysis facilitates accurate species identification and enables the detection of genes linked to toxic secondary metabolite production, which serve as key virulence factors enhancing the pathogenicity of these isolates against target insect pests.