Bioproduction of an extract from Penicillium funiculosum Thom with activity against Ceratitis capitata and Tetranychus urticae

The bioproduction conditions of a crude extract from a strain of Penicillium funiculosum Thom, which shows activity against Ceratitis capitata and Tetranychus urticae, have been optimized. The efficacy degree was 95% (C. capitata) and 100% (T. urticae), according to Abbot. This is the first report on the pesticide activity of an extract from P. funiculosum against these species. The best yields were obtained when P. funiculosum was grown in Raulin-Thom medium at pH 6.5 with sucrose candy as the carbon source and ammonium sulphate and phosphate as the nitrogen source. Other favourable conditions were static cultures, at 28 degrees C, and in the dark.