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

Summary

Scientists discovered a fungus called Mucor hiemalis that naturally infects and kills a harmful rapeseed pest known as Evergestis extimalis. They identified the fungus, found the best conditions for growing it in the lab, and tested how well it kills the pest larvae at different life stages. The results show this fungus could be used as a natural, environment-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting rapeseed crops.

Background

Evergestis extimalis is a significant pest of rapeseed crops in the Qinghai Province of China, causing serious economic losses. Current control methods rely heavily on chemical pesticides, which have limitations due to resistance and environmental concerns. Entomopathogenic fungi offer a promising biological control alternative.

Objective

To isolate and identify an entomopathogenic fungus from E. extimalis larvae, determine optimal growth conditions, and evaluate its pathogenicity against different larval stages as a potential biological control agent.

Results

The fungus was identified as Mucor hiemalis QH01. Optimal growth conditions were determined as SDAY medium, fructose as carbon source, peptone as nitrogen source, 25°C, pH 6.0-7.0, and 0:24 (light:dark) photoperiod. Pathogenicity was concentration-dependent, with younger larvae more susceptible than older larvae. At 1×10⁸ spores/mL, survival of second instar larvae decreased significantly in greenhouse conditions.

Conclusion

M. hiemalis QH01 exhibits significant biocontrol potential against E. extimalis, with younger larvae being particularly susceptible. The findings provide a foundation for developing biological control strategies for rapeseed pest management on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
  • Published in:Biology (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40427656, DOI: 10.3390/biology14050467
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