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Panwar N, Szczepaniec A. Endophytic entomopathogenic fungi as biological control agents of insect pests. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39046187 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi capable of establishing mutualistic endophytic relationships with plants have a tremendous potential as biocontrol agents of insect pests. While fungi have long played an important and highly effective role in pest suppression, the utility of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi in pest management is a relatively new and emerging topic of biocontrol. Here we discuss the relevance of endophytic fungi to plant health in general, synthesize the current knowledge of the effectiveness of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi against diverse insect pests, discuss the indirect plant-mediated effects of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi on arthropods, and describe the diverse benefits of endophytic fungi to plants that are likely to affect herbivores and plant pathogens as well. Lastly, we consider major challenges to incorporating endophytic entomopathogenic fungi in biocontrol, such as their non-target effects and field efficacy, which can be variable and influenced by environmental factors. Continued research on endophyte-insect-plant-environment interactions is critical to advancing our knowledge of these fungi as a sustainable pest management tactic. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Panwar
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Adrianna Szczepaniec
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Zhang Z, Sui L, Tian Y, Lu Y, Xia X, Liu W, Cheng K, Li Q, Shi W. Metarhizium rileyi with broad-spectrum insecticidal ability confers resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests as a phytoendophyte. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:3246-3257. [PMID: 38358040 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Entomophagous fungi (EPF) not only directly kill insect pests, but also colonize plants and improve their resistance against pests. However, most previous research has focused on Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, and there are few reports on whether other EPF can enhance resistance against pests via endogenous colonization. Herein, an EPF strain was isolated from diseased larvae of Spodoptera litura in a soybean field, and subjected to genome-wide sequencing at the chromosomal level. The pathogenicity of the isolate toward various pest insects was evaluated, and the ability to colonize plants and induce resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests was tested. RESULTS The purified isolate was identified as M. rileyi and designated MrS1Gz1-1. Biological assays revealed its strong pathogenicity toward five insect pests belonging to Lepidoptera and Hemiptera. Furthermore, the strain inhibited the growth of soil-borne plant disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vitro. It colonized plants as an endophyte via soil application, thereby inducing plant resistance-related genes against phytopathogen infection, and it disrupted the feeding selectivity of S. litura larvae. CONCLUSION M. rileyi MrS1Gz1-1 has potential as a broad-spectrum microbial control agent that can induce resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests feeding as an endotype. The complete genome provides a valuable resource for exploring host interactions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengkun Zhang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
| | - Li Sui
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
| | - Yifan Tian
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
| | - Xinyao Xia
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wende Liu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Cheng
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
| | - Qiyun Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Wangpeng Shi
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Ramírez-Ordorica A, Adame-Garnica SG, Ramos-Aboites HE, Winkler R, Macías-Rodríguez L. Volatile Semiochemicals Emitted by Beauveria bassiana Modulate Larval Feeding Behavior and Food Choice Preference in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:438. [PMID: 38921424 PMCID: PMC11204931 DOI: 10.3390/jof10060438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus that parasitizes and kills insects. The role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by B. bassiana acting as semiochemicals during its interaction with lepidopterans is poorly explored. Here, we studied the effect of VOCs from B. bassiana and 3-methylbutanol (as a single compound) on the feeding behavior of L2 larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda in sorghum plants. Additionally, we assessed whether fungal VOCs induce chemical modifications in the plants that affect larval food preferences. Metabolomic profiling of plant tissues was performed by mass spectrometry and bioassays in a dual-choice olfactometer. The results showed that the larval feeding behavior was affected by the B. bassiana strain AI2, showing that the insect response is strain-specific. Furthermore, 80 µg of 3-methylbutanol affected the number of bites. The larval feeding choice was dependent on the background context. Fragment spectra and a matching precursor ion mass of 165.882 m/z enabled the putative identification of 4-coumaric acid in sorghum leaves exposed to fungal VOCs, which may be associated with larval deterrent responses. These results provide valuable insights into the bipartite interaction of B. bassiana with lepidopterans through VOC emission, with the plant as a mediator of the interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Ramírez-Ordorica
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químico Biológicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Edificio B3, Ciudad Universitaria, Morelia C.P. 58030, Mexico;
| | - Sandra Goretti Adame-Garnica
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químico Biológicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Edificio B3, Ciudad Universitaria, Morelia C.P. 58030, Mexico;
| | - Hilda Eréndira Ramos-Aboites
- Laboratorio de Análisis Bioquímico e Instrumental, Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Cinvestav, Km 9.6, Libramiento Norte, Carretera Irapuato-León, Irapuato C.P. 36824, Mexico; (H.E.R.-A.); (R.W.)
| | - Robert Winkler
- Laboratorio de Análisis Bioquímico e Instrumental, Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Cinvestav, Km 9.6, Libramiento Norte, Carretera Irapuato-León, Irapuato C.P. 36824, Mexico; (H.E.R.-A.); (R.W.)
| | - Lourdes Macías-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químico Biológicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Edificio B3, Ciudad Universitaria, Morelia C.P. 58030, Mexico;
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Van Hee S, Alınç T, Weldegergis BT, Dicke M, Colazza S, Peri E, Jacquemyn H, Cusumano A, Lievens B. Differential effects of plant-beneficial fungi on the attraction of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis in response to Nezara viridula egg deposition. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304220. [PMID: 38771894 PMCID: PMC11108215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that plant-associated microorganisms play important roles in defending plants against insect herbivores through both direct and indirect mechanisms. While previous research has shown that these microbes can modify the behaviour and performance of insect herbivores and their natural enemies, little is known about their effect on egg parasitoids which utilize oviposition-induced plant volatiles to locate their hosts. In this study, we investigated how root inoculation of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) with the plant-beneficial fungi Beauveria bassiana ARSEF 3097 or Trichoderma harzianum T22 influences the olfactory behaviour of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis following egg deposition by its host Nezara viridula. Olfactometer assays showed that inoculation by T. harzianum significantly enhanced the attraction of the egg parasitoid, while B. bassiana had the opposite effect. However, no variation was observed in the chemical composition of plant volatiles. Additionally, fitness-related traits of the parasitoids (wasp body size) were not altered by any of the two fungi, suggesting that fungal inoculation did not indirectly affect host quality. Altogether, our results indicate that plant inoculation with T. harzianum T22 can be used to enhance attraction of egg parasitoids, which could be a promising strategy in manipulating early plant responses against pest species and improving sustainable crop protection. From a more fundamental point of view, our findings highlight the importance of taking into account the role of microorganisms when studying the intricate interactions between plants, herbivores and their associated egg parasitoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Van Hee
- CMPG Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tuğcan Alınç
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Marcel Dicke
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stefano Colazza
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ezio Peri
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Antonino Cusumano
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Bart Lievens
- CMPG Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Kumari M, Yagnik KN, Gupta V, Singh IK, Gupta R, Verma PK, Singh A. Metabolomics-driven investigation of plant defense response against pest and pathogen attack. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2024; 176:e14270. [PMID: 38566280 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The advancement of metabolomics has assisted in the identification of various bewildering characteristics of the biological system. Metabolomics is a standard approach, facilitating crucial aspects of system biology with absolute quantification of metabolites using minimum samples, based on liquid/gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The metabolome profiling has narrowed the wide gaps of missing information and has enhanced the understanding of a wide spectrum of plant-environment interactions by highlighting the complex pathways regulating biochemical reactions and cellular physiology under a particular set of conditions. This high throughput technique also plays a prominent role in combined analyses of plant metabolomics and other omics datasets. Plant metabolomics has opened a wide paradigm of opportunities for developing stress-tolerant plants, ensuring better food quality and quantity. However, despite advantageous methods and databases, the technique has a few limitations, such as ineffective 3D capturing of metabolites, low comprehensiveness, and lack of cell-based sampling. In the future, an expansion of plant-pathogen and plant-pest response towards the metabolite architecture is necessary to understand the intricacies of plant defence against invaders, elucidation of metabolic pathway operational during defence and developing a direct correlation between metabolites and biotic stresses. Our aim is to provide an overview of metabolomics and its utilities for the identification of biomarkers or key metabolites associated with biotic stress, devising improved diagnostic methods to efficiently assess pest and pathogen attack and generating improved crop varieties with the help of combined application of analytical and molecular tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Kumari
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
- Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Kalpesh Nath Yagnik
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
- Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Vaishali Gupta
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Indrakant K Singh
- Molecular Biology Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravi Gupta
- College of General Education, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Praveen K Verma
- Plant-Immunity Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Archana Singh
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
- Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- Delhi School of Climate Change and Sustainability, Institution of Eminence, Maharishi Karnad Bhawan, University of Delhi, India
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Batool R, Xuelian G, Hui D, Xiuzhen L, Umer MJ, Rwomushana I, Ali A, Attia KA, Jingfei G, Zhenying W. Endophytic Fungi-Mediated Defense Signaling in Maize: Unraveling the Role of WRKY36 in Regulating Immunity against Spodoptera frugiperda. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2024; 176:e14243. [PMID: 38467539 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Seed priming with beneficial endophytic fungi is an emerging sustainable strategy for enhancing plant resistance against insect pests. This study examined the effects of Beauvaria bassiana Bb20091317 and Metarhizium rileyi MrCDTLJ1 fungal colonization on maize growth, defence signalling, benzoxazinoid levels and gene expression. The colonization did not adversely affect plant growth but reduced larval weights of Spodoptera frugiperda. Maize leaves treated with M. rileyi exhibited higher levels of jasmonic acid, jasmonoyl-Isoleucine, salicylic acid, and indole acetic acid compared to control. B. bassiana and M. rileyi accelerated phytohormone increase upon S. frugiperda herbivory. Gene expression analysis revealed modulation of benzoxazinoid biosynthesis genes. We further elucidated the immune regulatory role of the transcription factor zmWRKY36 using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in maize. zmWRKY36 positively regulates maize immunity against S. frugiperda, likely by interacting with defense-related proteins. Transient overexpression of zmWRKY36 in tobacco-induced cell death, while silencing in maize reduced chitin-triggered reactive oxygen species burst, confirming its immune function. Overall, B. bassiana and M. rileyi successfully colonized maize, impacting larval growth, defense signalling, and zmWRKY36-mediated resistance. This sheds light on maize-endophyte-insect interactions for sustainable plant protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raufa Batool
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gou Xuelian
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Dong Hui
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Long Xiuzhen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Muhammad Jawad Umer
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization/Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICR, CAAS), Anyang, Henan, China
| | | | - Abid Ali
- Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Kotb A Attia
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guo Jingfei
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wang Zhenying
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Wilberts L, Vuts J, Caulfield JC, Thomas G, Withall DM, Wäckers F, Birkett MA, Jacquemyn H, Lievens B. Effects of root inoculation of entomopathogenic fungi on olfactory-mediated behavior and life-history traits of the parasitoid Aphidius ervi (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:307-316. [PMID: 37682693 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although most biological control programs use multiple biological agents to manage pest species, to date only a few programs have combined the use of agents from different guilds. Using sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), the entomopathogenic fungus Akanthomyces muscarius ARSEF 5128, the tobacco peach aphid Myzus persicae var. nicotianae and the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi as the experimental model, we explored whether root inoculation with an entomopathogenic fungus is compatible with parasitoid wasps for enhanced biocontrol of aphids. RESULTS In dual-choice behavior experiments, A. ervi was significantly attracted to the odor of M. persicae-infested C. annuum plants that had been inoculated with A. muscarius, compared to noninoculated infested plants. There was no significant difference in attraction to the odor of uninfested plants. Myzus persicae-infested plants inoculated with A. muscarius emitted significantly higher amounts of indole, (E)-nerolidol, (3E,7E)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene and one unidentified terpene compared to noninoculated infested plants. Coupled gas chromatography-electroantennography, using the antennae of A. ervi, confirmed the physiological activity of these elevated compounds. Inoculation of plants with A. muscarius did not affect parasitism rate nor parasitoid longevity, but significantly increased the speed of mummy formation in parasitized aphids on fungus-inoculated plants. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that root inoculation of C. annuum with A. muscarius ARSEF 5128 alters the olfactory-mediated behavior of parasitoids, but has little effect on parasitism efficiency or life-history parameters. However, increased attraction of parasitoids towards M. persicae-infested plants when inoculated by entomopathogenic fungi can accelerate host localization and hence improve biocontrol efficacy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbet Wilberts
- CMPG Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - József Vuts
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK
| | - John C Caulfield
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK
| | - Gareth Thomas
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK
| | - David M Withall
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK
| | - Felix Wäckers
- Biobest, Westerlo, Belgium
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Michael A Birkett
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- Leuven Plant Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Lievens
- CMPG Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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8
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Gowtham HG, Hema P, Murali M, Shilpa N, Nataraj K, Basavaraj GL, Singh SB, Aiyaz M, Udayashankar AC, Amruthesh KN. Fungal Endophytes as Mitigators against Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Crop Plants. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:116. [PMID: 38392787 PMCID: PMC10890593 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The escalating global food demand driven by a gradually expanding human population necessitates strategies to improve agricultural productivity favorably and mitigate crop yield loss caused by various stressors (biotic and abiotic). Biotic stresses are caused by phytopathogens, pests, and nematodes, along with abiotic stresses like salt, heat, drought, and heavy metals, which pose serious risks to food security and agricultural productivity. Presently, the traditional methods relying on synthetic chemicals have led to ecological damage through unintended impacts on non-target organisms and the emergence of microbes that are resistant to them. Therefore, addressing these challenges is essential for economic, environmental, and public health concerns. The present review supports sustainable alternatives, emphasizing the possible application of fungal endophytes as innovative and eco-friendly tools in plant stress management. Fungal endophytes demonstrate capabilities for managing plants against biotic and abiotic stresses via the direct or indirect enhancement of plants' innate immunity. Moreover, they contribute to elevated photosynthesis rates, stimulate plant growth, facilitate nutrient mineralization, and produce bioactive compounds, hormones, and enzymes, ultimately improving overall productivity and plant stress resistance. In conclusion, harnessing the potentiality of fungal endophytes represents a promising approach toward the sustainability of agricultural practices, offering effective alternative solutions to reduce reliance on chemical treatments and address the challenges posed by biotic and abiotic stresses. This approach ensures long-term food security and promotes environmental health and economic viability in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- H G Gowtham
- Department of Studies and Research in Food Science and Nutrition, KSOU, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India
| | - P Hema
- Department of Studies in Botany, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India
| | - Mahadevamurthy Murali
- Department of Studies in Botany, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India
| | - N Shilpa
- Department of Studies in Microbiology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India
| | - K Nataraj
- Department of Studies in Botany, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India
- PG Department of Botany, Maharani's Science College for Women, JLB Road, Mysuru 570005, Karnataka, India
| | - G L Basavaraj
- PG Department of Botany, Maharani's Science College for Women, JLB Road, Mysuru 570005, Karnataka, India
| | - Sudarshana Brijesh Singh
- Department of Studies in Botany, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohammed Aiyaz
- Department of Studies in Biotechnology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India
| | - A C Udayashankar
- Department of Studies in Biotechnology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India
| | - Kestur Nagaraj Amruthesh
- Department of Studies in Botany, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India
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9
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Song Y, Cui H, Guo W, Sindhu L, Lv S, Li L, Yu Y, Men X. Endophytic fungi improved wheat resistance to Rhopalosiphum padi by decreasing its feeding efficiency and population fitness. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115865. [PMID: 38134640 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The improvement of crop resistance to insect using endophytic fungi is an environmentally friendly and sustainable strategy for agricultural pest control. Clarifying the efficacy and mechanism of endophytic fungi in improving crop resistance to pest offers the opportunity for biological control. In this study, changes in the transcriptome and defense compounds of wheat inoculated with endophytic fungal strains (i.e., YC and BB) were evaluated, and the efficacy of endophytic fungi in improving wheat resistance to Rhopalosiphum padi was studied. The results showed that the numbers of upregulated differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) in wheat plants inoculated with endophytic fungal strains YC and BB were higher than those of the downregulated DEGs, irrespective of R. padi infestation. Defense-related metabolic pathways, such as plant hormone signal transduction and secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways were significantly enriched. Endophytic fungal strains YC and BB significantly increased jasmonic acid, DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one), total flavone, and tannin contents in wheat plants (P < 0.05) but decreased salicylic acid content. Variations in the contents of defense compounds were significantly correlated with decreased feeding, development, and reproduction of R. padi fed on wheat plants inoculated with strains YC and BB (|r| = 0.68-0.91, P < 0.05). The results suggested that endophytic fungi significantly decreased the feeding efficiency and population fitness [YC: (-11.13%) - (-22.07%); BB: (-10.98%) - (-22.20%)] of R. padi by altering the phytohormone pathway and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in wheat plants. This study helps in understanding of the efficacy of endophytic fungi in improving wheat resistance to insect and will be conducive to integrated pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Song
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Hongying Cui
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Wenxiu Guo
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Lara Sindhu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Suhong Lv
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Lili Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xingyuan Men
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China.
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Zhang Z, Tian Y, Sui L, Lu Y, Cheng K, Zhao Y, Li Q, Shi W. First record of Aspergillus nomiae as a broad-spectrum entomopathogenic fungus that provides resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests by colonization of plants. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1284276. [PMID: 38260878 PMCID: PMC10801167 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1284276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Aspergillus nomiae is known as a pathogenic fungus that infects humans and plants but has never been reported as an entomophagous fungus (EPF) that can provide other functions as an endotype. Methods A strain of EPF was isolated and identified from diseased larvae of Spodoptera litura in a soybean field and designated AnS1Gzl-1. Pathogenicity of the strain toward various insect pests was evaluated, especially the ability to colonize plants and induce resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests. Results The isolated EPF strain AnS1Gzl-1 was identified as A. nomiae; it showed strong pathogenicity toward five insect pests belonging to Lepidoptera and Hemiptera. Furthermore, the strain inhibited the growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vitro, a causal agent of soil-borne plant disease. It colonized plants as an endophyte via root irrigation with a high colonization rate of 90%, thereby inducing plant resistance against phytopathogen infection, and disrupting the feeding selectivity of S. litura larvae. Discussion This is the first record of a natural infection of A. nomiae on insects. A. nomiae has the potential to be used as a dual biocontrol EPF because of its ability to not only kill a broad spectrum of insect pests directly but also induce resistance against phytopathogens via plant colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengkun Zhang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
| | - Yifan Tian
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Sui
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
| | - Ke Cheng
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
| | - Qiyun Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- Jilin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Changchun, China
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, China
| | - Wangpeng Shi
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Meesters C, Weldegergis BT, Dicke M, Jacquemyn H, Lievens B. Limited effects of plant-beneficial fungi on plant volatile composition and host-choice behavior of Nesidiocoris tenuis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1322719. [PMID: 38235197 PMCID: PMC10791865 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1322719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Biological control using plant-beneficial fungi has gained considerable interest as a sustainable method for pest management, by priming the plant for enhanced defense against pathogens and insect herbivores. However, despite promising outcomes, little is known about how different fungal strains mediate these beneficial effects. In this study, we evaluated whether inoculation of tomato seeds with the plant-beneficial fungi Beauveria bassiana ARSEF 3097, Metarhizium brunneum ARSEF 1095 and Trichoderma harzianum T22 affected the plant's volatile organic compound (VOC) profile and the host-choice behavior of Nesidiocoris tenuis, an emerging pest species in NW-European tomato cultivation, and the related zoophytophagous biocontrol agent Macrolophus pygmaeus. Results indicated that fungal inoculation did not significantly alter the VOC composition of tomato plants. However, in a two-choice cage assay where female insects were given the option to select between control plants and fungus-inoculated plants, N. tenuis preferred control plants over M. brunneum-inoculated plants. Nearly 72% of all N. tenuis individuals tested chose the control treatment. In all other combinations tested, no significant differences were found for none of the insects. We conclude that inoculation of tomato with plant-beneficial fungi had limited effects on plant volatile composition and host-choice behavior of insects. However, the observation that N. tenuis was deterred from the crop when inoculated with M. brunneum and attracted to non-inoculated plants may provide new opportunities for future biocontrol based on a push-pull strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Meesters
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (MS), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Marcel Dicke
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Lievens
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (MS), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Guo L, Yu H, Li Y, Zhang C, Kharbach M. Tensor methods in data analysis of chromatography/mass spectroscopy-based plant metabolomics. PLANT METHODS 2023; 19:130. [PMID: 37990220 PMCID: PMC10662285 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-023-01105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Plant metabolomics is an important research area in plant science. Chemometrics is a useful tool for plant metabolomic data analysis and processing. Among them, high-order chemometrics represented by tensor modeling provides a new and promising technical method for the analysis of complex multi-way plant metabolomics data. This paper systematically reviews different tensor methods widely applied to the analysis of complex plant metabolomic data. The advantages and disadvantages as well as the latest methodological advances of tensor models are reviewed and summarized. At the same time, application of different tensor methods in solving plant science problems are also reviewed and discussed. The reviewed applications of tensor methods in plant metabolomics cover a wide range of important plant science topics including plant gene mutation and phenotype, plant disease and resistance, plant pharmacology and nutrition analysis, and plant products ingredient characterization and quality evaluation. It is evident from the review that tensor methods significantly promote the automated and intelligent process of plant metabolomics analysis and profoundly affect the paradigm of plant science research. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review to systematically summarize the tensor analysis methods in plant metabolomic data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Guo
- Weifang University of Science and Technology, Shouguang, 262700, China
| | - Huiwen Yu
- Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518005, China.
- Chemometrics Group, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, 1958, Denmark.
| | - Yuan Li
- Northwest Land and Resources Research Center, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- Weifang University of Science and Technology, Shouguang, 262700, China
| | - Mourad Kharbach
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
- Department of Computer Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00560, Finland
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13
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Quesada-Moraga E, Garrido-Jurado I, González-Mas N, Yousef-Yousef M. Ecosystem services of entomopathogenic ascomycetes. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 201:108015. [PMID: 37924859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.108015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic ascomycetes (EA) are an important part of the microbiota in most terrestrial ecosystems, where they can be found regulating natural populations of arthropod pests in both epigeous and hypogeous habitats while also establishing unique relationships with plants. These fungi offer direct benefits to agriculture and human welfare. In the present work, we conducted a systematic review to comprehensively assess the range of ecosystem services provided by EA, including direct and indirect pest biocontrol, plant growth promotion, plant defense against other biotic and abiotic stresses, nutrient cycling, and the production of new bioactive compounds with agricultural, pharmaceutical and medical importance. Moreover, EA are compatible with the ecosystem services provided by other microbial and macrobial biocontrol agents. This systematic review identified the need for future research to focus on evaluating the economic value of the ecological services provided by EA with a special emphasis on hypocrealean fungi. This evaluation is essential not only for the conservation but also for better regulation and exploitation of the benefits of EA in promoting agricultural sustainability, reducing the use of chemicals that enter the environment, and minimizing the negative impacts of crop protection on the carbon footprint and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Quesada-Moraga
- Department of Agronomy, Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit DAUCO, ETSIAM, University of Cordoba, Edificio C4 Celestino Mutis, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.
| | - Inmaculada Garrido-Jurado
- Department of Agronomy, Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit DAUCO, ETSIAM, University of Cordoba, Edificio C4 Celestino Mutis, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Natalia González-Mas
- Department of Agronomy, Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit DAUCO, ETSIAM, University of Cordoba, Edificio C4 Celestino Mutis, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Meelad Yousef-Yousef
- Department of Agronomy, Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit DAUCO, ETSIAM, University of Cordoba, Edificio C4 Celestino Mutis, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
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14
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Bamisile BS, Afolabi OG, Siddiqui JA, Xu Y. Endophytic insect pathogenic fungi-host plant-herbivore mutualism: elucidating the mechanisms involved in the tripartite interactions. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:326. [PMID: 37776438 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03780-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Various techniques used by crop plants to evade insect pests and pathogen attacks have been documented. Among these, plant defense strategies induced by endophytic insect pathogenic fungi are arguably one of the most discussed. Endophytic fungi frequently colonize plants and inhabit their internal tissues for a portion of their lifespan without producing visible symptoms of the disease. This phenomenon is widespread and diverse in both natural and agricultural ecosystems, and is present in almost all plant organs. Many fungi can obtain nutrients by infecting and killing insects, and this ability has been developed numerous times in different fungal lineages. These species mainly consist of those in the order Hypocreales (Ascomycota), where the generalist insect pathogens, Beauveria sp. (Cordycipitaceae) and Metarhizium sp. (Clavicipitaceae) are two of the most studied endophytic entomopathogenic fungal genera. However, most fungi that kill insects do not survive in the tissues of living plants. The data published thus far show a high degree of variability and do not provide consistent explanations for the underlying mechanisms that may be responsible for these effects. This implies that available knowledge regarding the colonization of plant tissues by endophytic insect pathogenic fungi, the effects of colonization on plant metabolism, and how this contributes to a decrease in herbivore and pathogens damage is limited. To adequately utilize fungal-based products as biological control agents, these products must be effective and the reduction of pests and infection must be consistent and similar to that of chemical insecticides after application. This article discusses this possibility and highlights the benefits and the specific techniques utilized by endophytically challenged plants in invading insect pests and disease pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bamisope Steve Bamisile
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Henry Fok School of Biology and Agriculture, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, 512005, China
| | | | - Junaid Ali Siddiqui
- College of Agriculture, College of Tobacco Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yijuan Xu
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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15
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Liu D, Smagghe G, Liu TX. Interactions between Entomopathogenic Fungi and Insects and Prospects with Glycans. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050575. [PMID: 37233286 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Concerns regarding the ecological and health risks posed by synthetic insecticides have instigated the exploration of alternative methods for controlling insects, such as entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) as biocontrol agents. Therefore, this review discusses their use as a potential alternative to chemical insecticides and especially focuses on the two major ones, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, as examples. First, this review exemplifies how B. bassiana- and M. anisopliae-based biopesticides are used in the world. Then, we discuss the mechanism of action by which EPF interacts with insects, focusing on the penetration of the cuticle and the subsequent death of the host. The interactions between EPF and the insect microbiome, as well as the enhancement of the insect immune response, are also summarized. Finally, this review presents recent research that N-glycans may play a role in eliciting an immune response in insects, resulting in the increased expression of immune-related genes and smaller peritrophic matrix pores, reducing insect midgut permeability. Overall, this paper provides an overview of the EPF in insect control and highlights the latest developments relating to the interaction between fungi and insect immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Liu
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Institute of Plant Health and Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Institute of Plant Health and Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Institute of Plant Health and Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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16
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Picciotti U, Araujo Dalbon V, Ciancio A, Colagiero M, Cozzi G, De Bellis L, Finetti-Sialer MM, Greco D, Ippolito A, Lahbib N, Logrieco AF, López-Llorca LV, Lopez-Moya F, Luvisi A, Mincuzzi A, Molina-Acevedo JP, Pazzani C, Scortichini M, Scrascia M, Valenzano D, Garganese F, Porcelli F. "Ectomosphere": Insects and Microorganism Interactions. Microorganisms 2023; 11:440. [PMID: 36838405 PMCID: PMC9967823 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study focuses on interacting with insects and their ectosymbiont (lato sensu) microorganisms for environmentally safe plant production and protection. Some cases help compare ectosymbiont microorganisms that are insect-borne, -driven, or -spread relevant to endosymbionts' behaviour. Ectosymbiotic bacteria can interact with insects by allowing them to improve the value of their pabula. In addition, some bacteria are essential for creating ecological niches that can host the development of pests. Insect-borne plant pathogens include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These pathogens interact with their vectors to enhance reciprocal fitness. Knowing vector-phoront interaction could considerably increase chances for outbreak management, notably when sustained by quarantine vector ectosymbiont pathogens, such as the actual Xylella fastidiosa Mediterranean invasion episode. Insect pathogenic viruses have a close evolutionary relationship with their hosts, also being highly specific and obligate parasites. Sixteen virus families have been reported to infect insects and may be involved in the biological control of specific pests, including some economic weevils. Insects and fungi are among the most widespread organisms in nature and interact with each other, establishing symbiotic relationships ranging from mutualism to antagonism. The associations can influence the extent to which interacting organisms can exert their effects on plants and the proper management practices. Sustainable pest management also relies on entomopathogenic fungi; research on these species starts from their isolation from insect carcasses, followed by identification using conventional light or electron microscopy techniques. Thanks to the development of omics sciences, it is possible to identify entomopathogenic fungi with evolutionary histories that are less-shared with the target insect and can be proposed as pest antagonists. Many interesting omics can help detect the presence of entomopathogens in different natural matrices, such as soil or plants. The same techniques will help localize ectosymbionts, localization of recesses, or specialized morphological adaptation, greatly supporting the robust interpretation of the symbiont role. The manipulation and modulation of ectosymbionts could be a more promising way to counteract pests and borne pathogens, mitigating the impact of formulates and reducing food insecurity due to the lesser impact of direct damage and diseases. The promise has a preventive intent for more manageable and broader implications for pests, comparing what we can obtain using simpler, less-specific techniques and a less comprehensive approach to Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Picciotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Department of Marine Science and Applied Biology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Aurelio Ciancio
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/D, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Colagiero
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/D, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cozzi
- Institute of Food Production Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi De Bellis
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Davide Greco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonio Ippolito
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Nada Lahbib
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
- Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El-Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Antonio Francesco Logrieco
- Institute of Food Production Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Federico Lopez-Moya
- Department of Marine Science and Applied Biology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Andrea Luvisi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Annamaria Mincuzzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Juan Pablo Molina-Acevedo
- Colombian Corporation for Agricultural Research Agrosavia C. I. Turipana-AGROSAVIA, Km. 13, Vía Montería-Cereté 230558, Colombia
| | - Carlo Pazzani
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Biotecnologie e Ambiente (DBBA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Scortichini
- Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), 00134 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Scrascia
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Biotecnologie e Ambiente (DBBA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Valenzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Garganese
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Porcelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
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Kramski DJ, Nowinski D, Kowalczuk K, Kruszyński P, Radzimska J, Greb-Markiewicz B. Beauveria bassiana Water Extracts' Effect on the Growth of Wheat. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:326. [PMID: 36679039 PMCID: PMC9863656 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, entomopathogenic fungi were considered alternative biological control factors. Recently, these organisms were shown to fulfill additional roles supporting plants' development, improving their resistance to disease and survival under stress conditions. Considering the documented interactions of B. bassiana with a wide range of plants, we aimed to evaluate the impact of aqueous extracts of the fungus on the growth of an agriculturally significant plant-wheat. The usage of fungal extracts instead of fungi could be beneficial especially in unfavorable, environmentally speaking, regions. Selected dilutions of the crude extract obtained under different pH and temperature conditions were used to establish the optimal method of extraction. Plant growth parameters such as length, total fresh weight, and chlorophyll composition were evaluated. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of extracts was tested to exclude negative impacts on the beneficial soil microorganisms. The best results were obtained after applying extracts prepared at 25 °C and used at 10% concentration. Enhancement of the tested wheat's growth seems to be related to the composition of the extracts, which we documented as a rich source of macro- and microelements. Our preliminary results are the first confirming the potential of fungal water extracts as factors promoting plant growth. Further detailed investigation needs to be carried out to confirm the effects in real environment conditions. Additionally, the consistency of the plant growth stimulation across different entomopathogenic fungi and agriculturally used plant species should be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid J. Kramski
- Department of Advanced Material Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Metallurgy, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
- Students Science Association Bio-Top, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Daria Nowinski
- Students Science Association Bio-Top, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Organic and Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kaja Kowalczuk
- Students Science Association Bio-Top, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Kruszyński
- Students Science Association Bio-Top, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jagoda Radzimska
- Students Science Association Bio-Top, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Greb-Markiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
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18
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Wilberts L, Vuts J, Caulfield JC, Thomas G, Birkett MA, Herrera-Malaver B, Verstrepen KJ, Sobhy IS, Jacquemyn H, Lievens B. Impact of endophytic colonization by entomopathogenic fungi on the behavior and life history of the tobacco peach aphid Myzus persicae var. nicotianae. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273791. [PMID: 36067150 PMCID: PMC9447930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi can adopt an endophytic lifestyle and provide protection against insect herbivores and plant pathogens. So far, most studies have focused on Beauveria bassiana to increase plant resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses, while only little is known for other entomopathogenic fungi. In this study, we investigated whether root inoculation of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) by the entomopathogenic fungi Akanthomyces muscarius ARSEF 5128 and B. bassiana ARSEF 3097 can improve resistance against the tobacco peach aphid Myzus persicae var. nicotianae. First, dual-choice experiments were performed to test the hypothesis that the fungi deter aphids via modifying plant volatile profiles. Next, we tested the hypothesis that endophytic colonization negatively affects aphid life history traits, such as fecundity, development and mortality rate. Aphids were significantly attracted to the odor of plants inoculated with A. muscarius over non-inoculated plants. Plants inoculated with A. muscarius emitted significantly higher amounts of β-pinene than non-inoculated plants, and significantly higher amounts of indole than B. bassiana-inoculated and non-inoculated plants. Inoculation with the fungal strains also caused significantly higher emission of terpinolene. Further, both aphid longevity and fecundity were significantly reduced by 18% and 10%, respectively, when feeding on plants inoculated with A. muscarius, although intrinsic rate of population increase did not differ between inoculated and non-inoculated plants. Sweet pepper plants inoculated with B. bassiana ARSEF 3097 did not elicit a significant behavioral response nor affected the investigated life history traits. We conclude that endophytic colonization by entomopathogenic fungi has the potential to alter olfactory behavior and performance of M. persicae var. nicotianae, but effects are small and depend on the fungal strain used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbet Wilberts
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), CMPG Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - József Vuts
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - John C. Caulfield
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Thomas
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A. Birkett
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Beatriz Herrera-Malaver
- Department M2S, CMPG Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kevin J. Verstrepen
- Department M2S, CMPG Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Islam S. Sobhy
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), CMPG Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Hans Jacquemyn
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Lievens
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), CMPG Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Plant Institute (LPI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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19
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Zhang Q, Zhou M, Wang J. Increasing the activities of protective enzymes is an important strategy to improve resistance in cucumber to powdery mildew disease and melon aphid under different infection/infestation patterns. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:950538. [PMID: 36061767 PMCID: PMC9428622 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.950538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Powdery mildew, caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginea (Schlecht.) Poll., and melon aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) are a typical disease and insect pest, respectively, that affect cucumber production. Powdery mildew and melon aphid often occur together in greenhouse production, resulting in a reduction in cucumber yield. At present there are no reports on the physiological and biochemical effects of the combined disease and pest infection/infestation on cucumber. This study explored how cucumbers can regulate photosynthesis, protective enzyme activity, and basic metabolism to resist the fungal disease and aphids. After powdery mildew infection, the chlorophyll and free proline contents in cucumber leaves decreased, while the activities of POD (peroxidase) and SOD (superoxide dismutase) and the soluble protein and MDA (malondialdehyde) contents increased. Cucumber plants resist aphid attack by increasing the rates of photosynthesis and basal metabolism, and also by increasing the activities of protective enzymes. The combination of powdery mildew infection and aphid infestation reduced photosynthesis and basal metabolism in cucumber plants, although the activities of several protective enzymes increased. Aphid attack after powdery mildew infection or powdery mildew infection after aphid attack had the opposite effect on photosynthesis, protective enzyme activity, and basal metabolism regulation. Azoxystrobin and imidacloprid increased the contents of chlorophyll, free proline, and soluble protein, increased SOD activity, and decreased the MDA content in cucumber leaves. However, these compounds had the opposite effect on the soluble sugar content and POD and CAT (catalase) activities. The mixed ratio of the two single agents could improve the resistance of cucumber to the combined infection of powdery mildew and aphids. These results show that cucumber can enhance its pest/pathogen resistance by changing physiological metabolism when exposed to a complex infection system of pathogenic microorganisms and insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jungang Wang
- College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
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20
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Nicoletti R, Becchimanzi A. Ecological and Molecular Interactions between Insects and Fungi. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10010096. [PMID: 35056545 PMCID: PMC8779020 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects and fungi represent two of the most widespread groupings of organisms in nature, occurring in every kind of ecological context and impacting agriculture and other human activities in various ways. Moreover, they can be observed to reciprocally interact, establishing a wide range of symbiotic relationships, from mutualism to antagonism. The outcome of these relationships can in turn affect the extent at which species of both organisms can exert their noxious effects, as well as the management practices which are to be adopted to counter them. In conjunction with the launch of a Special Issue of Microorganisms with the same title, this article offers a general overview of the manifold aspects related to such interactions from the perspective of implementing our capacity to regulate them in a direction more favorable for the environment, crop production and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Nicoletti
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, 81100 Caserta, Italy
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Becchimanzi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy;
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