Molecular identification and efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi isolates against larvae of the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Xinjiang, China

Aims This study aimed to isolate and identify entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) from fungus‐infected Ostrinia furnacalis larvae, screen their bio‐efficacy against O. furnacalis, and select the most suitable virulent native EPF for biocontrol agent development. Methods and Results The occurrence of EPF is...

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Published in:Journal of applied microbiology 2022-11, Vol.133 (5), p.2979-2992
Main Authors: Wang, Xiaowu, Ding, Xinhua, Fu, Kaiyun, Guo, Wenchao, Zhan, Faqiang, Yuan, Zihan, Jia, Zunzun, Zhou, Liuyan, Jiang, Xudong, Osman, Ghenijan, Li, Zhi, Dai, Jinping, Xie, Yuqing, Wang, Zhifang, Yang, Xinping
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Asian corn borer
Aspergillus
Beauveria bassiana
Bioassays
Biological control
Cadavers
Conidia
Crop production
Effectiveness
Entomopathogenic fungi
Fungi
Homogeneity
Larvae
Lethality
maize
Ostrinia furnacalis
Virulence
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Summary:Aims This study aimed to isolate and identify entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) from fungus‐infected Ostrinia furnacalis larvae, screen their bio‐efficacy against O. furnacalis, and select the most suitable virulent native EPF for biocontrol agent development. Methods and Results The occurrence of EPF isolated from various maize production regions in Xinjiang was investigated. Of 13,864 O. furnacalis cadavers surveyed, 536 were selected, and of 136 fungal specimens collected, 14 species were identified. Four fungal isolates were highly pathogenic to O. furnacalis: Aspergillus sp., Lecanicillium attenuatum, Beauveria bassiana and Penicillium polonicum. The Aspergillus sp. was the most abundant (42.25% distribution frequency). Bioassay results revealed that it was as pathogenic as B. bassiana (positive control), with 96.58% lethality against O. furnacalis (LC50: 1.40 × 104 conidia ml−1, LT50: 3.41 days). Through morphological examination and rDNA‐benA and rDNA‐CaM homogeneity analyses, the isolate was identified as Aspergillus nomius. ConclusionsFour EPF species were highly pathogenic, with A. nomius being the most prevalent in Xinjiang. A. nomius is a potential biocontrol agent. Significance and Impact of Study For sustainable prevention and control of O. furnacalis infestation, identifying biocontrol agents with high virulence against O. furnacalis is crucial. The findings of this study support the development of EPF‐based biocontrol approaches.
ISSN:1364-5072
1365-2672
DOI:10.1111/jam.15749