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Cryptic Diversity and Virulence of Beauveria bassiana Recovered from Lycorma delicatula (Spotted Lanternfly) in Eastern Pennsylvania

Summary

This research investigates how naturally occurring fungi can help control the invasive spotted lanternfly, which threatens agriculture in the United States. Scientists discovered that different strains of a fungus called Beauveria bassiana can effectively kill these pests, with some strains working better than others. This natural approach could provide an environmentally friendly way to manage this destructive insect. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides a potential natural solution for controlling spotted lanternfly infestations in gardens and farms – Could help protect grape vines and other valuable crops from damage – Offers an alternative to chemical pesticides for pest control – May help reduce the spread of invasive spotted lanternflies in affected regions – Could lead to development of more effective biological control products

Background

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is cosmopolitan and known to infect various sap-sucking pests like aphids, mealybugs, and scales in the order of Hemiptera. In Fall 2017, spotted lanternfly (SLF) adults killed by B. bassiana were found in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Objective

To isolate and identify Beauveria spp. infecting SLF and non-targets in southeastern Pennsylvania, and describe the prevalence and distribution of indigenous B. bassiana strains in these areas invaded by SLF. Additionally, to select indigenous B. bassiana strains for laboratory bioassays with potential for biological control of this invasive pest.

Results

All isolates from SLF were identified as B. bassiana, with 20 different strains grouped into two clades. Three B. bassiana strains (A, B, and L) were found in most field sites and were the most prevalent. In bioassays, strain B showed inferior performance against nymphs compared to strains A, L, and GHA, while strains A and L demonstrated greater efficacy than B and GHA against adults.

Conclusion

B. bassiana is the most common entomopathogenic fungus naturally infecting SLF annually in the studied areas. Among Beauveria spp. isolated from SLF, only B. bassiana was found, with twenty-one strains identified. Three strains were most common, with strains A and L showing the most promise as biological control candidates due to similar efficacy to commercial strain GHA and higher epizootic potential through more abundant conidial production.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Insect Science,
  • Study Type:Field Collection and Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1127682
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