MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Toxicity Assay and Pathogenic Process Analysis of Clonostachys rogersoniana Infecting Cephalcia chuxiongica

Summary

Scientists discovered a fungus called Clonostachys rogersoniana that can kill a major pine forest pest. The fungus enters the pest through small breathing holes called spiracles, which is unusual compared to most fungal infections. Testing showed the fungus kills half the pest population in about 24 hours at relatively low concentrations. This discovery could help protect Chinese pine forests without using harmful chemical pesticides.

Background

Cephalcia chuxiongica is a major pest causing significant damage to pine forests in China. Current control relies on chemical pesticides which lead to resistance and environmental contamination. Entomopathogenic fungi offer a promising biological control alternative.

Objective

To isolate and identify entomopathogenic fungi from diseased Ce. chuxiongica larvae, assess pathogenic capacity through bioassays, and analyze the infection process using scanning electron microscopy to develop effective biological control strategies.

Results

Clonostachys rogersoniana was identified as the highly virulent pathogenic strain. Optimal growth occurred on PPDA medium with colony diameter of 83.62 mm and sporulation of 19.07 × 10⁶ conidia/cm². LT₅₀ was 24.34 h and LC₅₀ was 2.35 × 10⁵ conidia/mL, demonstrating rapid pathogenicity. SEM revealed C. rogersoniana uniquely invaded through spiracles rather than typical infection sites.

Conclusion

C. rogersoniana demonstrates potent virulence against Ce. chuxiongica and holds significant potential as a biological control agent. The novel spiracle-based infection mechanism and rapid lethal effect provide a foundation for developing effective pest management strategies and sustainable integrated pest management approaches.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40284545, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13040709
Scroll to Top