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Microcycle Conidia Production in an Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana: The Role of Chitin Deacetylase in the Conidiation and the Contribution of Nanocoating in Conidial Stability

Summary

Researchers developed a method to dramatically increase the production of fungal spores used for controlling crop-damaging insects like armyworms. By using a special growth medium and coating the spores with nanoscale particles, they created more stable and effective fungal pesticides that work faster and better in the field. This advance could make biological pest control more practical and affordable for farmers.

Background

Entomopathogenic fungi like Beauveria bassiana are used for pest control, requiring large quantities of conidia (5 × 10^12/ha) for field application. Microcycle conidiation is a process where conidia germinate directly into secondary conidia without intermediate hyphal growth, potentially increasing conidial yields. The role of chitin deacetylase in this process has not been fully characterized in B. bassiana.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the role of chitin deacetylase (CDA) in microcycle conidiation of B. bassiana and evaluate the effectiveness of chitosan and alginate-chitosan nanocoatings in improving conidial stability and virulence against insect pests.

Results

SYB-grown inoculum enhanced microcycle conidia production 5-fold compared to aerial conidia within 10 days, with 20-fold higher productivity per day on rice. Higher chitin deacetylase to chitosanase activity ratios (>30) correlated with increased conidia formation. Nanocoatings improved temperature and UV stability, with ACNP-coated microcycle conidia showing 90% cumulative mortality in S. litura larvae and LT50 values of 6.3 days compared to 5.8 days for aerial conidia.

Conclusion

Chitin deacetylase plays a significant role in microcycle conidiation in B. bassiana, with the CDA:chitosanase activity ratio being a key biochemical correlate. Alginate-chitosan nanocoatings effectively enhanced the environmental stability of microcycle conidia while maintaining virulence, offering a viable approach for mass production of fungal biocontrol agents.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40284736, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13040900
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