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Why is it important?
Nilaparvata lugens is a notorious rice pest causing significant annual yield and economic losses. The use of entomopathogenic fungi offers a promising and eco-friendly approach to sustainable pest management programs. However, research in this area is currently limited to a few specific types of insects and other arthropods. This study aimed to analyze the biocontrol potential of Lecanicillium attenuatum against N. lugens. Bioassays showed that L. attenuatum 3166 induced >80% mortality in N. lugens following 7 d exposure. Greenhouse and field investigations demonstrated that L. attenuatum 3166 application leads to a substantial reduction in N. lugens populations. Under greenhouse conditions, fluorescence was detected in GFP-labeled L. attenuatum 3166 hyphae enveloping the bodies of N. lugens. In field trials, L. attenuatum 3166 treatment exhibited a control efficacy of up to 68.94% at 14 d post-application, which was comparable to that of the commercial entomopathogenic fungal agent. Genomic sequencing of L. attenuatum 3166 revealed a comprehensive array of genes implicated in its infestation and lethality. Further, the transcriptome sequencing analysis highlighted the elevated expression levels of genes encoding proteases, chitinases, cutinases, and phospholipases. Our findings highlight the potential of L. attenuatum 3166 as an effective biological control agent against N. lugens.
Perspectives
Screening fungal pathogens against N. lugens is pivotal to advance our understanding and cataloging of entomopathogenic strains. Our study demonstrates L. attenuatum 3166 as an effective biological control agent against N. lugens, with optimal conditions for growth and spore production identified. Field trials showed significant control efficacy, comparable to commercial entomopathogenic fungus. Genomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed key genes for infestation and lethality, suggesting potential for genetic enhancement. Our findings emphasize the potential of strain 3166 as a viable candidate for biological pest control interventions that can be used in integrated pest management strategies.
Ph.D Tao Tang
Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences
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This page is a summary of: Harnessing Lecanicillium attenuatum: A novel strategy for combatting Nilaparvata lugens in rice fields, Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, September 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.106078.
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