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Isolation and Characterization of a Native Metarhizium rileyi Strain Mrpgbm2408 from Paralipsa gularis in Maize: First Data on Efficacy and Enzymatic Host Response Dynamics

Summary

Scientists in China discovered a naturally occurring fungus (Metarhizium rileyi) that effectively kills a destructive maize pest called Paralipsa gularis. When the fungus infects the pest larvae, it disrupts their natural defense enzymes and causes high mortality rates. This fungus could replace harmful chemical pesticides and provide a sustainable way to protect crops while protecting the environment.

Background

Paralipsa gularis is an increasingly destructive agricultural pest affecting maize crops in China. Chemical control methods face limitations due to resistance development and environmental concerns. Biological control using entomopathogenic fungi offers a promising sustainable alternative.

Objective

To isolate and characterize a novel Metarhizium rileyi strain from naturally infected P. gularis larvae and evaluate its biological characteristics, virulence, and enzymatic host response mechanisms for potential use as a biological control agent.

Results

The strain was identified as Metarhizium rileyi (designated Mrpgbm2408). Optimal growth conditions were SMAY medium at 25°C under continuous light. The strain exhibited strong virulence with 82% cumulative larval mortality at 5×10⁸ conidia/mL and LC₅₀ of 2.28×10⁶ conidia/mL. Fungal infection suppressed SOD activity while significantly increasing POD, CAT, and detoxification enzyme activities.

Conclusion

The native M. rileyi strain Mrpgbm2408 demonstrates strong potential as an effective biological control agent for P. gularis. The strain’s high virulence, environmental resilience, and stress tolerance support its integration into sustainable pest management programs. Understanding host-pathogen enzymatic interactions provides insights for optimizing fungal biopesticide development.
  • Published in:Insects,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41009055, DOI: 10.3390/insects16090872
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