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Characterization and Virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) Isolates from Ecologically Distinct Soils Against Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Summary

This study identified five native fungal strains (Metarhizium anisopliae) from Taiwanese soils that can kill the tobacco caterpillar pest (Spodoptera litura). The most effective strain, PT-01, showed strong ability to infect and kill caterpillar larvae, particularly at early life stages. The research demonstrates that these fungi could be developed into environmentally-friendly pest control alternatives to chemical pesticides, protecting crops while maintaining ecosystem health.

Background

Spodoptera litura infests over 380 plant species and has developed resistance to chemical insecticides. Entomopathogenic fungi, particularly Metarhizium anisopliae, offer sustainable biological control alternatives. Native isolates from diverse soils may provide superior biocontrol efficacy due to local adaptation.

Objective

To isolate and identify native M. anisopliae strains from Taiwanese soils, evaluate their growth and sporulation under varying temperature and media conditions, assess their virulence against S. litura developmental stages, and characterize the fungal infection mechanisms.

Results

Five M. anisopliae isolates were successfully identified. Optimal growth and sporulation occurred at 25±1°C on Sabouraud dextrose agar. PT-01 isolate showed highest virulence with LC50 of 5.55×106 spores/ml and LT50 of 4.01 days. Mortality ranged from 23.33% to 70% depending on conidial concentration, with younger instars showing greater susceptibility than older larvae.

Conclusion

PT-01 isolate demonstrates strong biocontrol potential against S. litura with stage-specific susceptibility patterns favoring early larval instars. The findings support further field evaluation, formulation development, and integration into integrated pest management programs for sustainable pest control.
  • Published in:Journal of Insect Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaf113, PMC12800012, 41531200
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