In this current research, we reported the combination of morphological data and molecular phylogenies to identify an entomopathogenic fungal sample (DL0069) found in the mountainous regions of Langbian mountain, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. Through formation of phialides and conidial chains, DL0069 was most likely a member of Simplicillium genus. | Journal of Science and Technology 55 (1A) (2017) 117-123 DOI: IDENTIFICATION OF THE ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI SAMPLE DL0069 BY COMBINATION OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSES Vu Tien Luyen1, Lao Duc Thuan2, Truong Binh Nguyen3, Dinh Minh Hiep4, Le Huyen Ai Thuy2,* 1 University of Science, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City HCMC Open University, 97 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 3 Da Lat University, 01 Phu Dong Thien Vuong Street, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province 4 Management Board of Agricultural Hi-Tech Park, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City 2 * Email: Received: 30 October 2016; Accepted for publication: 30 May 2017 ABSTRACT Species of Simplicillium are biological control agents against certain plant diseases caused by insects and nematodes due to their ability to parasite and kill the host. Recently, this anamorphic genus is classified under Cordycipitaceae as a monophyletic group apart from the type genus Cordyceps. In this current research, we reported the combination of morphological data and molecular phylogenies to identify an entomopathogenic fungal sample (DL0069) found in the mountainous regions of Langbian mountain, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. Through formation of phialides and conidial chains, DL0069 was most likely a member of Simplicillium genus. From molecular phylogenetic analyses of a portion of the nuclear large ribosomal unit (nrLSU), it was confirmed that DL0069 was most closely related with Simplicillium chinense, a recently found Simplicillium species with a high potency as a biocontrol of nematodes parasiting plants. Keywords: Simplicillium, entomopathogenic fungi, nrLSU, Cordycipitaceae. 1. INTRODUCTION Since its first description, the genus Simplicillium Gams W. & Zare R. received few interest with only 6 new species described. Current member species include S. lanosoniveum ( Beyma) Zare R. & Gams W. (type species), Simplicillium .
