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Bioprospecting of four Beauveria bassiana strains and their potential as biological control agents for Anastrepha ludens Loew 1873 (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Summary

Scientists in Mexico tested four native strains of a fungus called Beauveria bassiana to see if they could control the Mexican fruit fly, which damages mango and orange crops. The fungal strains were highly effective, killing over 80% of the fruit flies in laboratory tests. The results suggest that using fungi naturally found in the region could be a more effective and environmentally friendly way to protect fruit crops compared to traditional pesticides.

Background

Anastrepha ludens is a major pest affecting mango and orange crops in Mexico. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), particularly Beauveria bassiana, have been widely studied for biological control, but efficacy varies with environmental conditions. Native strains are suggested to be more effective than non-native strains in their adapted regions.

Objective

To bioprospect four Beauveria bassiana strains isolated from Veracruz, Mexico and evaluate their potential as biological control agents against A. ludens. The study measured conidium viability, growth rates, conidium production, and pathogenicity of these native strains.

Results

Conidium viability ranged from 88-98%. Mycelial growth was fastest in rice media (2.63 mm/day), while conidium production was highest in PDA and pupae media (1.18×10⁸ and 7.83×10⁷ conidia/ml respectively). All four strains caused mortality above 80% at the highest concentration, with the lowest LT₅₀ of 5.51 days achieved at 10⁷ conidia/ml.

Conclusion

The four B. bassiana strains from Veracruz showed optimal characteristics for biological control of A. ludens, with mortality rates above 80% and LT₅₀ values within the sexual maturation period of the pest. Native strains may be more effective than non-native strains due to habitat adaptation, supporting their potential use in IPM programs in the region.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40577276, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324441
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