The use of entomopathogenic fungi in the control of tsetse flies

Octanoic acid kills Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) by affecting two major defence systems: cuticular free fatty acids and immunocompetent cells

This work examines the insecticidal activity of octanoic acid (C8:0), a short-chain fatty acid detected in entomopathogenic fungus - Conidiobolus coronatus medium, against Lucilia sericata larvae and adults. The LD50 value was calculated as 3.04±0.26 µg/mg (3040 mg/kg) of insect body mass, which places the compound in category 5 of acute toxicity (slightly hazardous). The presented research also describes its probable mechanism, with a particular focus on changes in two main insect defense mechanisms: (1) the composition of the cuticle (GC-MS analysis) and (2) immunocompetent cells (microscopic analysis of cultured hemocytes). More precisely, octanoic acid application resulted in changes in cuticular free fatty acid (FFA) profiles in both adults and larvae; generally, treatment increased short-chain FFAs, and a decrease of middle- and long-chain FFAs. Both in vivo and in vitro applications of octanoic acid resulted in vacuolisation, disintegration, and destruction of nets formed by plasmatocytes. As the compound has also previously been found to be toxic against Galleria mellonella, it appears to have lethal potential against insects in both the Orders Diptera and Lepidoptera, indicating it may have strong entomopathogenic potential. It is worth noting that octanoic acid is approved as a food additive with well-documented insecticidal activity, and hence may be a valuable component in the design of new insecticides that are safe for both humans and the environment.

Efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae, Isolate ICIPE 7, against Anopheles arabiensis, Glossina fuscipes, and Rhipicephalus spp

Arthropod vectors are responsible for a multitude of human and animal diseases affecting poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Their control still relies on chemical agents, despite growing evidence of insecticide resistance and environmental health concerns. Biorational agents, such as the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, might be an alternative for vector control. Recently, the M. anisopliae isolate ICIPE 7 has been developed into a commercial product in Kenya for control of ticks on cattle. We were interested in assessing the potential of controlling not only ticks but also disease-transmitting mosquitoes and tsetse flies using cattle as blood hosts, with the aim of developing a product for integrated vector management. Laboratory bioassays were carried out with M. anisopliae, isolate ICIPE 7 and isolate ICIPE 30, to compare efficacy against laboratory-reared Anopheles arabiensis. ICIPE 7 was further tested against wild Glossina fuscipes and Rhipicephalus spp. Dose-response tests were implemented, period of mosquito exposure was evaluated for effects on time to death, and the number of spores attached to exposed vectors was assessed. Exposure to 109 spores/mL of ICIPE 7 for 10 min resulted in a similar mortality of An. arabiensis as exposure to ICIPE 30, albeit at a slower rate (12 vs. 8 days). The same ICIPE 7 concentration also resulted in mortalities of tsetse flies (LT50: 16 days), tick nymphs (LT50: 11 days), and adult ticks (LT50: 20 days). Mosquito mortality was dose-dependent, with decreasing LT50 of 8 days at a concentration of 106 spores/mL to 6 days at 1010 spores/mL. Exposure period did not modulate the outcome, 1 min of exposure still resulted in mortality, and spore attachment to vectors was dose-dependent. The laboratory bioassays confirmed that ICIPE 7 has the potential to infect and cause mortality to the three exposed arthropods, though at slower rate, thus requiring further validation under field conditions.

Auto-dissemination of Cordyceps fumosorosea amongst adult females of the two-spotted spider mite

Tetranychus urticae is an important pest worldwide. The auto-dissemination of spores of entomopathogenic fungi from an infected individual to conspecifics may be important for controlling pests that can build high populations. The current study was carried out to determine the auto-dissemination of the entomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps fumosorosea strain PFs-1 (Priority®) between T. urticae females. The study consisted of four experiments. First, the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungus bioassays was assessed in Petri dishes (experiment 1) and on potted bean plants (experiment 2). In the auto-dissemination trials (experiments 3 and 4, in Petri dishes and on potted plants, respectively), contaminated adult females (1-5) were released among uncontaminated females (10 individuals). All experiments were carried out separately, and observations were made on days 3, 5, and 7. In exp. 1, the control was different from Priority on all observation days. In exp. 2, the average number of surviving individuals in the control was significantly higher than in the Priority treatment. In the auto-dissemination experiments, as the number of contaminated individuals increased, the mortality rate of uncontaminated individuals also increased, in exp. 3 (Petri dishes) on all observation days, and in exp. 4 (potted plants) only on days 5 and 7. The median lethal time (LT50) decreased as the number of individuals contaminated with Priority increased in both Petri dish and pot trials. Consequently, the effectiveness of biological control may increase with the occurrence of indirect contamination from infected to uncontaminated individuals.

The Impact of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Conidiobolus coronatus on the Free Fatty Acid Profile of the Flesh Fly Sarcophaga argyrostoma

Simple Summary

The interaction between insect and fungus is characterised on the one hand by the parasite developing more effective strategies of host exploitation, and on the other, by the host mounting increasingly robust defences though Red Queen dynamics or coevolutionary arms races. Furthermore, depending on gene flow and differences in selection pressure between sites, both host and parasite may demonstrate local adaptation to their counterpart or develop more general resistance or offensive traits. As the cuticle is considered the first line of defence of the insect, changes in the FFA profile may well influence susceptibility or resistance to fungal invasion. Our findings indicate that Sarcophaga argyrostoma demonstrates stage-specific resistance to Conidiobolus coronatus infection and suggests that FFAs play a role in resistance to fungal infection in flesh flies. These findings not only increase our knowledge of the entomopatogenic potential of fungi, but also of the growing level of infection by C. coronatus in humans and other mammals. Also, the presented research suggests that FFAs demonstrate antifungal activity which may be helpful in designing new antifungal treatments.

Abstract

The chemical composition of the insect cuticle varies remarkably between species and their life stages. It can affect host resistance and substrate utilization by invading entomopathogen fungi, such as the soil fungus Conidiobolus coronatus. In this study, Sarcophaga argyrostoma flies were exposed to sporulating C. coronatus colonies for 24 h; the pupae were resistant, but the adults demonstrated 60% mortality. Although the pupae demonstrated no sign of infection nor any abnormal development, our findings indicate that after 24 h of contact with the fungus, the pupae demonstrated a 25.2-fold increase in total cuticular free fatty acids (FFAs) and a 1.9-fold decrease in total internal FFAs. Also, the cuticular FFA increased from 26 to 30, while the internal FFA class increased from 13 to 23. In exposed adults, the total mass of cuticular FFAs increased 1.7-fold, while the number of FFAs stayed the same (32 FFAs). Also, the internal FFA class increased from 26 to 35 and the total FFA mass increased 1.1-fold. These considerable differences between adults and pupae associated with C. coronatus exposure indicate developmental changes in the mechanisms governing lipid metabolism and spatial distribution in the organism, and suggest that cuticular lipids play a vital role in the defence against pathogenic fungi.

Land-Use Type Drives Soil Population Structures of the Entomopathogenic Fungal Genus Metarhizium

Species of the fungal genus Metarhizium are globally distributed pathogens of arthropods, and a number of biological control products based on these fungi have been commercialized to control a variety of pest arthropods. In this study, we investigate the abundance and population structure of Metarhizium spp. in three land-use types—arable land, grassland, and forest—to provide detailed information on habitat selection and the factors that drive the occurrence and abundance of Metarhizium spp. in soil. At 10 sites of each land-use type, which are all part of the Swiss national soil-monitoring network (NABO), Metarhizium spp. were present at 8, 10, and 4 sites, respectively. On average, Metarhizium spp. were most abundant in grassland, followed by forest and then arable land; 349 Metarhizium isolates were collected from the 30 sites, and sequence analyses of the nuclear translation elongation factor 1α gene, as well as microsatellite-based genotyping, revealed the presence of 13 Metarhizium brunneum, 6 Metarhizium robertsii, and 3 Metarhizium guizhouense multilocus genotypes (MLGs). With 259 isolates, M. brunneum was the most abundant species, and significant differences were detected in population structures between forested and unforested sites. Among 15 environmental factors assessed, C:N ratio, basal respiration, total carbon, organic carbon, and bulk density significantly explained the variation among the M. brunneum populations. The information gained in this study will support the selection of best-adapted isolates as biological control agents and will provide additional criteria for the adaptation or development of new pest control strategies.

Enhancing vector refractoriness to trypanosome infection: achievements, challenges and perspectives

With the absence of effective prophylactic vaccines and drugs against African trypanosomosis, control of this group of zoonotic neglected tropical diseases depends the control of the tsetse fly vector. When applied in an area-wide insect pest management approach, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is effective in eliminating single tsetse species from isolated populations. The need to enhance the effectiveness of SIT led to the concept of investigating tsetse-trypanosome interactions by a consortium of researchers in a five-year (2013-2018) Coordinated Research Project (CRP) organized by the Joint Division of FAO/IAEA. The goal of this CRP was to elucidate tsetse-symbiome-pathogen molecular interactions to improve SIT and SIT-compatible interventions for trypanosomoses control by enhancing vector refractoriness. This would allow extension of SIT into areas with potential disease transmission. This paper highlights the CRP's major achievements and discusses the science-based perspectives for successful mitigation or eradication of African trypanosomosis.

Field Efficacy of Autodissemination and Foliar Sprays of an Entomopathogenic Fungus, Isaria fumosorosea (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), for Control of Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), on Residential Citrus

Autodissemination and foliar sprays of PFR-97 (Certis Inc., Columbia, MD) microbial insecticide, a blastospore formulation of Isaria fumosorosea Wize (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), were evaluated for control of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), on residential citrus. Seasonal trials on dooryard trees in South Texas evaluated: 1) pathogenicity of I. fumosorosea (Ifr) spores on autodisseminators (dispensers) deployed up to 3 wk on grapefruit trees; 2) psyllid control on several citrus species by dispensers and sprays; 3) infection range of the dispenser. Decline in spore pathogenicity over time was similar among dispensers during fall, winter, or spring and decreased by 30% after 1 d, 59% after 7 d, 81% after 14 d, and 100% after 21 d. Dispensers or sprays were equally effective for psyllid control on heavily infested lime trees from fall to spring and reduced mean reproduction (cumulative eggs) by 90% and mean attack intensity (cumulative psyllid-days) of adults by 76% and nymphs by 82%. Dispensers or sprays were also equally effective for psyllid control on lightly infested lime trees from spring to mid-summer and on orange or grapefruit trees from fall to winter. Very light infestations on grapefruit trees from spring to mid-summer were not significantly reduced by dispensers or sprays. Psyllid control was not improved by combining dispensers and sprays. Adult psyllids infected by Ifr were recovered in trees located 3-4 m away from trees with dispensers but not at greater distances. PFR-97 dispensers could be a treatment option for D. citri in settings where chemical control is problematic.

Development of an attract-and-infect system to control Rhynchophorus ferrugineus with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana

BACKGROUND

A new Beauveria bassiana-based attract and infect device (AID) to control Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was developed. The virulence and persistence of the fungal formulation used in the AID were evaluated in the laboratory. Semi-field and field trials were carried out to validate the results and establish the potential of this device as a control tool.

RESULTS

In laboratory conditions, a 50% lethal time (LT₅₀ ) of 4.33 days was obtained when adults (7-10 days old) were exposed to the inoculation tunnel (IT) containing 1 × 10¹⁰ conidia g^-1 in an oil-based fungal formulation. This formulation maintained conidium viability at 50% for up to 2 months. Moreover, when adults were exposed to 2.5-month field-aged ITs, mortality still reached 50% 40 days after exposure. In addition, no differences were observed between ITs aged in early spring and those aged in summer, suggesting that the fungal formulation is not strongly affected by environmental factors in Mediterranean basin conditions. Semi-field assays showed that the device allowed an easy transit of weevils through the IT, which were effectively attracted and infected. Using the AIDs in 4-ha plot field trials, a reduction of >50% in the percentage of infested sentinel palms was obtained.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results obtained in terms of the efficacy and persistence of this new AID in the field and its potential in reducing R. ferrugineus populations and palm infestation, this device could become a key tool for the management of R. ferrugineus. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sticky small target: an effective sampling tool for tsetse fly Glossina fuscipes fuscipes Newstead, 1910

Background

Small targets comprising panels of blue and insecticide-treated black netting material each 0.25 × 0.25 m have been shown to attract and kill Glossina fuscipes fuscipes Newstead, 1910 (Diptera: Glossinidae) thereby reducing its population density by over 90% in field trials. However, their attractive ability has not been fully exploited for sampling purposes. Therefore, in this study we assessed the effectiveness of using sticky small targets as sampling tools for G. f. fuscipes in western Kenya. We also determined the influence of colour on the landing response of female and male flies on sticky small targets.

Methods

Using a series of randomised block experiments, the numbers of tsetse flies caught with sticky small targets were compared with those caught with biconical traps. A negative binomial regression was used to model fly catches. Odds ratios as measures of association between the landing response on the blue or black panel of the sticky small target and the sex of flies were obtained from a multiple logistic regression.

Results

The results showed that sticky small targets caught 13.5 and 3.6 times more female and male tsetse flies than biconical traps (Z = 9.551, P < 0.0001 and Z = 5.978, P < 0.0001, respectively). Females had a 1.7 times likelihood of landing on the black panel than males (Z = 2.25, P = 0.025).

Conclusion

This study suggests that sticky small targets are an effective sampling tool for G. f. fuscipes. Therefore, we recommend the use of sticky small targets as an alternative to biconical traps for observational and experimental investigations of G. f. fuscipes.

A viral over-expression system for the major malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae

Understanding pathogen/mosquito interactions is essential for developing novel strategies to control mosquito-borne diseases. Technical advances in reverse-genetics, such as RNA interference (RNAi), have facilitated elucidation of components of the mosquito immune system that are antagonistic to pathogen development, and host proteins essential for parasite development. Forward genetic approaches, however, are limited to generation of transgenic insects, and while powerful, mosquito transgenesis is a resource- and time-intensive technique that is not broadly available to most laboratories. The ability to easily "over-express" genes would enhance molecular studies in vector biology and expedite elucidation of pathogen-refractory genes without the need to make transgenic insects. We developed and characterized an efficient Anopheles gambiae densovirus (AgDNV) over-expression system for the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. High-levels of gene expression were detected at 3 days post-infection and increased over time, suggesting this is an effective system for gene induction. Strong expression was observed in the fat body and ovaries. We validated multiple short promoters for gene induction studies. Finally, we developed a polycistronic system to simultaneously express multiple genes of interest. This AgDNV-based toolset allows for consistent transduction of genes of interest and will be a powerful molecular tool for research in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes.

Transfer of inoculum of Metarhizium anisopliae between adult Glossina morsitans morsitans and effects of fungal infection on blood feeding and mating behaviors

The transfer of conidia of Metarhizium anisopliae between tsetse flies Glossina morsitans and the effects of fungal inoculation on mating and blood meal feeding behaviors were investigated in the laboratory. Male or female flies were inoculated with fungal conidia ("donors") and allowed to pair with fungus-free mate of opposite sex ("recipients") at 1-day-interval up to three mates. Fungus-treated male or female "donor" flies as well as their mates "recipients" died from fungal infection. However, mortality in male "recipient" flies declined with successive mating, from 82.5 to 32.5 %. Fungus-treated males readily located female flies and mating was successful in most cases comparable to the controls. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in mean duration of mating, number of jerking movements between fungus-treated and fungus-free males for all the mating lines, except in the number of jerking movements when male flies mated with the 3rd line female flies. Fungus-treated and fungus-free female flies previously mated with treated and non-treated males showed refractoriness during subsequent pairings. The number of fertile female flies was higher (P < 0.05) in fungus-free than in fungus-treated treatments, thus producing more pupae. High concentration of fungus (3.0 × 10⁶ conidia ml^-1) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced blood meal intake of flies. This study has shown that fungal infection does not affect the mating behavior of tsetse flies and fly-to-fly contamination does occur during matings. These are important attributes if entomopathogenic fungi have to be used in auto-dissemination strategy and be integrated into sterile insect technique.

Improving Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for tsetse flies through research on their symbionts and pathogens

Tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) are the cyclical vectors of the trypanosomes, which cause human African trypanosomosis (HAT) or sleeping sickness in humans and African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) or nagana in animals. Due to the lack of effective vaccines and inexpensive drugs for HAT, and the development of resistance of the trypanosomes against the available trypanocidal drugs, vector control remains the most efficient strategy for sustainable management of these diseases. Among the control methods used for tsetse flies, Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), in the frame of area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM), represents an effective tactic to suppress and/or eradicate tsetse flies. One constraint in implementing SIT is the mass production of target species. Tsetse flies harbor obligate bacterial symbionts and salivary gland hypertrophy virus which modulate the fecundity of the infected flies. In support of the future expansion of the SIT for tsetse fly control, the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture implemented a six year Coordinated Research Project (CRP) entitled "Improving SIT for Tsetse Flies through Research on their Symbionts and Pathogens". The consortium focused on the prevalence and the interaction between the bacterial symbionts and the virus, the development of strategies to manage virus infections in tsetse colonies, the use of entomopathogenic fungi to control tsetse flies in combination with SIT, and the development of symbiont-based strategies to control tsetse flies and trypanosomosis. The results of the CRP and the solutions envisaged to alleviate the constraints of the mass rearing of tsetse flies for SIT are presented in this special issue.