Initial handling and diagnosis of diseased invertebrates

Successful implementation of microbial control has been the result of systematic surveys and exhaustive investigations on pathogen biology, host–pathogen interactions, and application techniques. Insects are associated with a broad diversity of microorganisms in a variety of symbiotic relationships including: commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism. Entomopathogens result in a variety of conditions in host insects that are subtly to distinctly unfavorable to the host. This chapter will provide general guidelines and protocols for: collection of entomopathogens and diseased invertebrates; examination in the laboratory; identification of the major entomopathogen groups; conclusive diagnosis—satisfying Koch's postulates; and safety considerations. The techniques presented in this chapter are supplemented with updated literature and new information.