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Isolation, Identification, Biological Characterization, and Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic Fungus from the Larvae of the Evergestis extimalis (Scopoli) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Summary

Researchers discovered a naturally occurring fungus called Mucor hiemalis that can kill Evergestis extimalis, a pest that damages rapeseed crops. They identified optimal growing conditions for this fungus and tested its effectiveness against different life stages of the pest. The fungus proved highly effective, especially against younger larvae, offering a promising natural alternative to chemical pesticides for crop protection.

Background

Evergestis extimalis is a destructive pest of rapeseed crops in Qinghai Province, China, causing significant economic losses. Current control relies on chemical pesticides which pose environmental and health risks. Entomopathogenic fungi offer a promising biological control alternative for pest management.

Objective

To isolate, identify, and characterize an entomopathogenic fungus from E. extimalis larvae and evaluate its pathogenicity against different larval instars under laboratory and greenhouse conditions.

Results

The isolated fungus was identified as Mucor hiemalis (strain QH01). Optimal growth conditions were SDAY medium, fructose as carbon source, peptone as nitrogen source, 25°C, pH 6.0-7.0, and continuous darkness. Younger larvae showed higher susceptibility with concentration-dependent mortality effects. Greenhouse trials showed 70% reduction in second instar larvae survival at highest spore concentration.

Conclusion

M. hiemalis QH01 demonstrates significant biocontrol potential against E. extimalis, with younger larvae being more susceptible. The findings provide foundation for developing M. hiemalis as a biological control agent for sustainable management of E. extimalis in rapeseed cultivation.
  • Published in:Biology (Basel),
  • Study Type:Laboratory and Greenhouse Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40427656, DOI: 10.3390/biology14050467
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