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Idrees A, Afzal A, Qadir ZA, Li J. Virulence of entomopathogenic fungi against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory conditions. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1107434. [PMID: 36969609 PMCID: PMC10031024 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1107434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize is an essential crop of China. The recent invasion of Spodoptera frugiperda, also known as fall armyworm (FAW), poses a danger to the country’s ability to maintain a sustainable level of productivity from this core crop. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Metarhizium anisopliae MA, Penicillium citrinum CTD-28 and CTD-2, Cladosporium sp. BM-8, Aspergillus sp. SE-25 and SE-5, Metarhizium sp. CA-7, and Syncephalastrum racemosum SR-23 were tested to determine their effectiveness in causing mortality in second instars, eggs, and neonate larvae. Metarhizium anisopliae MA, P. citrinum CTD-28, and Cladosporium sp. BM-8 caused the highest levels of egg mortality, with 86.0, 75.3, and 70.0%, respectively, followed by Penicillium sp. CTD-2 (60.0%). Additionally, M. anisopliae MA caused the highest neonatal mortality of 57.1%, followed by P. citrinum CTD-28 (40.7%). In addition, M. anisopliae MA, P. citrinum CTD-28, and Penicillium sp. CTD-2 decreased the feeding efficacy of second instar larvae of FAW by 77.8, 75.0, and 68.1%, respectively, followed by Cladosporium sp. BM-8 (59.7%). It is possible that EPF will play an important role as microbial agents against FAW after further research is conducted on the effectiveness of these EPF in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Idrees
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pest in Guiyang, Institute of Entomology, Ministry of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ayesha Afzal
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ziyad Abdul Qadir
- Honeybee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Jun Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Li,
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Afza R, Afzal A, Riaz MA, Majeed MZ, Idrees A, Qadir ZA, Afzal M, Hassan B, Li J. Sublethal and transgenerational effects of synthetic insecticides on the biological parameters and functional response of Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) under laboratory conditions. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1088712. [PMID: 36726846 PMCID: PMC9885102 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1088712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic insecticides have been an inevitable part of plant protection throughout the world. Sublethal effects of these chemicals on beneficial insect species are one of the contemporary issues these days. Using the age-stage, two-sex life table model, this study evaluated the sublethal and transgenerational effects of six synthetic insecticides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos and profenofos) commonly applied to winter vegetables, on the fitness and predation of the seven-spotted ladybeetle, Coccinella septempunctata, which is an efficient predator of aphids worldwide. According to results, all insecticides at their sublethal doses (LC30) significantly suppressed the emergence of adults, adult weight, fertility and fecundity of the parental generation compared to control treatment. The larval stage was prolonged and oviposition, fecundity and total longevity of the adult beetles were decreased in unexposed progeny whose parents were exposed to sublethal doses of all insecticides. Moreover, the biological parameters of adults, including the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ) and net reproductive rate (R 0) were significantly reduced when exposed to sublethal doses of insecticides. The predation rate of the F1 generation adults was also decreased after exposure to the sublethal doses of insecticides. However, chlorpyrifos, profenofos, lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin exhibited more deleterious effects on the fitness and population parameters of beetles than imidacloprid and thiamethoxam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahat Afza
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Afzal
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, 1-Km Defense Road, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asam Riaz
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zeeshan Majeed
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Atif Idrees
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management, Institute of Entomology, Ministry of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,*Correspondence: Atif Idrees, ; Jun Li,
| | - Ziyad Abdul Qadir
- Honeybee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Park Road, Islamabad, Pakistan,Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Babar Hassan
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Jun Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Atif Idrees, ; Jun Li,
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Akhtar ZR, Afzal A, Idrees A, Zia K, Qadir ZA, Ali S, Haq IU, Ghramh HA, Niaz Y, Tahir MB, Arshad M, Li J. Lethal, Sub-Lethal and Trans-Generational Effects of Chlorantraniliprole on Biological Parameters, Demographic Traits, and Fitness Costs of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Insects 2022; 13:881. [PMID: 36292828 PMCID: PMC9603994 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797)] was first reported in the Americas, then spread to all the continents of the world. Chemical insecticides are frequently employed in managing fall armyworms. These insecticides have various modes of actions and target sites to kill the insects. Chlorantraniliprole is a selective insecticide with a novel mode of action and is used against Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Isopteran, and Dipteran pests. This study determined chlorantraniliprole's lethal, sub-lethal, and trans-generational effects on two consecutive generations (F0, F1, and F2) of the fall armyworm. Bioassays revealed that chlorantraniliprole exhibited higher toxicity against fall armyworms with a LC50 of 2.781 mg/L after 48 h of exposure. Significant differences were noted in the biological parameters of fall armyworms in all generations. Sub-lethal concentrations of chlorantraniliprole showed prolonged larval and adult durations. The parameters related to the fitness cost in F0 and F1 generations showed non-significant differences. In contrast, the F2 generation showed lower fecundity at lethal (71 eggs/female) and sub-lethal (94 eggs/female) doses of chlorantraniliprole compared to the control (127.5-129.3 eggs/female). Age-stage specific survival rate (Sxj), life expectancy (Exj) and reproductive rate (Vxj) significantly differed among insecticide-treated groups in all generations compared to the control. A comparison of treated and untreated insects over generations indicated substantial differences in demographic parameters such as net reproduction rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and mean generation time (T). Several biological and demographic parameters were shown to be negatively impacted by chlorantraniliprole. We conclude that chlorantraniliprole may be utilized to manage fall armyworms with lesser risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunnu Raen Akhtar
- Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Afzal
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, 1-Km Defense Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Atif Idrees
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Khuram Zia
- Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
- Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ziyad Abdul Qadir
- Honeybee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Park Road, Islamabad 45500, Pakistan
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Shahbaz Ali
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan 64200, Pakistan
| | - Inzamam Ul Haq
- Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Hamed A. Ghramh
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasir Niaz
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan 64200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Bilal Tahir
- Department of Physics, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan 64200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arshad
- Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Jun Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
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Shahzad MF, Idrees A, Afzal A, Iqbal J, Qadir ZA, Khan AA, Ullah A, Li J. RNAi-Mediated Silencing of Putative Halloween Gene Phantom Affects the Performance of Rice Striped Stem Borer, Chilo suppressalis. Insects 2022; 13:731. [PMID: 36005356 PMCID: PMC9409148 DOI: 10.3390/insects13080731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The physiological and biochemical characterization of the "Halloween" genes has fundamental importance in the biosynthesis pathway of ecdysteroids. These genes were found to catalyze the final phases of ecdysteroid biosynthesis from dietary cholesterol to the molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone. We report the characterization of the Cs-Phm in a major insect pest in agriculture, the rice striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (C. suppressalis). A full-length transcript of Cs-Phm was amplified with an open reading frame (ORF) of 478 amino acids through 5' and 3' RACE. Cs-Phm shows five insect-conserved P450 motifs: Helix-C, Helix-I, Helix-K, PERF, and heme-binding motifs. Phylogenetic analysis clearly shows high similarity to Lepidoptera and evolutionary conservation in insects. The relative spatial and temporal transcript profile shows that Cs-Phm is highly expressed in the prothoracic glands and appears throughout the larval development, but with low expression at the start of the larval instar. It seems to peak in 3-4 days and decreases again before the larvae molt. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection of Cs-Phm at the larval stage efficiently knocked down the target gene and decreased its expression level. The dsRNA-treated group showed significantly decreased ecdysteroid titers, which leads to delayed larval development and higher larval mortality. Negative effects of larval development were rescued by treating 20E in the dsRNA-treated group. Thus, in conclusion, our results suggest that Cs-Phm is functionally conserved in C. suppressalis and encodes functional CYP that contributes to the biogenesis of 20E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Faisal Shahzad
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29220, Pakistan
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Atif Idrees
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Ayesha Afzal
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, 1-Km Defense Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Jamshaid Iqbal
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29220, Pakistan
| | - Ziyad Abdul Qadir
- Honeybee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Park Road, Islamabad 45500, Pakistan
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Azhar Abbas Khan
- College of Agriculture, Bahadur Sub Campus Layyah, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 31200, Pakistan
| | - Ayat Ullah
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29220, Pakistan
| | - Jun Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
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Idrees A, Afzal A, Qadir ZA, Li J. Bioassays of Beauveria bassiana Isolates against the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070717. [PMID: 35887472 PMCID: PMC9324617 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of Spodoptera frugiperda, the key invasive pest of maize, is a serious concern due to its biology and the current global restriction on applying synthetic pesticides. Entomopathogenic fungi are considered to be a potential biological control strategy. The pathogenicity of 12 isolates of Beauveria bassiana in the immature stages and feeding efficacy of S. frugiperda were evaluated. The B. bassiana isolates QB-3.45, QB-3.46 and QB-3.428 caused the highest egg mortality rates of 87.3, 82.7 and 79.3%, respectively, when applied at a concentration of 1 × 108 conidia/mL and measured at 7 days post-treatment. Neonate mortality rates of 45.6 to 53.6% were observed with the same isolates. The B. bassiana isolates caused significant cumulative mortality rates ranging from 71.3 to 93.3% at 14 days post-treatment and reduced larval feeding efficacy from 69.4 to 77.8% at 48 h post-treatment. This study supports using the effective B. bassiana isolates as a biological control agent against S. frugiperda. The significant mortality of the eggs and neonatal larvae and the reduction in the feeding efficacy of the second instar larvae of the S. frugiperda that were treated with isolates of B. bassiana supports the application of entomopathogenic fungi as a biocontrol agent for the effective control of the S. frugiperda population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Idrees
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (A.I.); (A.A.)
| | - Ayesha Afzal
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (A.I.); (A.A.)
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, 1-Km Defense Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ziyad Abdul Qadir
- Honeybee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Park Road, Islamabad 45500, Pakistan;
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (A.I.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Idrees A, Qadir ZA, Afzal A, Ranran Q, Li J. Laboratory efficacy of selected synthetic insecticides against second instar invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265265. [PMID: 35576188 PMCID: PMC9109910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize is the most essential crop of China and its productivity has been recently endangered by the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda. Chemical pesticides are one of the most important strategies for managing FAW on a short-term basis. The seven synthetic insecticides including novel and conventional belong to four chemical group, spinetoram and spinosad (spinosyns), lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin and bifenthrin (pyrethroids), abamectin (avermectins), broflinilide (diamides), were assessed for their efficiency in causing mortality to second instar S. frugiperda larvae at 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment at five different serial concentrations (10 to 0.625 mg liter-1). The second instar S. frugiperda larvae were susceptible to the tested synthetic insecticides, however, the toxicity index of synthetic insecticides was estimated based on lethal concentration 50 (LC50), while, LC50 was calculated from the data of larval mortality. The broflanilide and abamectin proved to be the most toxic having the highest toxicity index of 100 and 78.29%, respectively, followed by cypermethrin and bifenthrin were showed toxicity index of 75.47 and 66.89%, respectively. The LC50 values were 0.606 and 0.774 mg liter-1 for broflanilide and abamectin, respectively, followed by cypermethrin and bifenthrin were showed LC50 values of 0.803 and 0.906 mg liter-1 at 72 h post-treatment. Rest of the other synthetic insecticides were showed moderate toxicity index of 42.11 to 62.09%, based on LC50 values were 1.439 to 0.976 mg liter-1 at 72 h post-treatment. The efficiency of synthetic insecticides was increased by increasing concentration level and exposure time. The screened synthetic insecticides among seven insecticides perhaps, provide basis for the development of novel insecticides for controlling S. frugiperda population after further research to evaluate and validate the laboratory results in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Idrees
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziyad Abdul Qadir
- Honeybee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Ayesha Afzal
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Qiu Ranran
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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Idrees A, Qadir ZA, Akutse KS, Afzal A, Hussain M, Islam W, Waqas MS, Bamisile BS, Li J. Effectiveness of Entomopathogenic Fungi on Immature Stages and Feeding Performance of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae. Insects 2021; 12:insects12111044. [PMID: 34821844 PMCID: PMC8624455 DOI: 10.3390/insects12111044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Fall armyworm (FAW), primarily endemic to the United States, has posed a severe threat to maize cultivation globally in recent decades. To prevent maize from being harmed by FAW, various control strategies are used, including synthetic pesticides. Synthetic chemicals are still the most effective and widely utilized technique; nonetheless, these chemicals are hazardous to humans, biodiversity, and the environment, necessitating a desperate search for safe and long-term solutions. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) are thought to be an essential alternate control tool for this invasive pest. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of five entomopathogenic fungal isolates (Aspergillus sp. BM-3 and SE-2-1, Cladosporium tenuissimum SE-10, Penicillium citrinum CTD-24, and Beauveria bassiana ZK-5) against immature stages (eggs, neonates, and larvae) and feeding efficacy of first to sixth instar S. frugiperda larvae at 1 × 106, 1 × 107, and 1 × 108 conidia mL−1. Among the five tested fungal isolates, C. tenuissimum SE-10, P. citrinum CTD-24, and B. bassiana ZK-5 showed significant effects on egg mortality and significantly reduced the early third instar feeding efficacy of FAW larvae at the highest concentration level. These potent fungal isolates could be suitable candidates for developing biopesticides in an integrated manner to control the FAW population. By decreasing the hatchability of eggs and reducing the feeding ability of early first to third instar FAW larvae, the findings of this study could assist in managing this invasive pest in China and enhance maize crop output. However, further research is needed to evaluate and validate laboratory outcomes in real-world situations. Abstract Maize is a major staple crop in China, and the sustainable productivity of this primary crop has been recently threatened by fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, invasion. The five fungal isolates, Aspergillus sp. BM-3 and SE-2-1, Cladosporium tenuissimum SE-10, Penicillium citrinum CTD-24, and Beauveria bassiana ZK-5 were assessed for their efficacy in causing mortality against first to sixth instar eggs and neonate larvae seven days post-treatment, and their effects on the feeding performance of sixth instar S. frugiperda larvae at 48 h post-treatment at three concentrations (1 × 106, 1 × 107, and 1 × 108 conidia mL−1) were also assessed. The six instar S. frugiperda larvae were not susceptible to the five tested fungal isolates. However, B. bassiana ZK-5 caused the highest egg mortality of 40, 70, and 85.6% at 1 × 106, 1 × 107, and 1 × 108 conidia mL−1, respectively, followed by P. citrinum CTD-24 (30.6, 50, and 75.6%) and C. tenuissimum SE-10 (25.6, 40, and 55.6%). In addition, B. bassiana ZK-5 caused the highest neonate mortality of 54.3% at 1 × 108 conidia mL−1. B. bassiana ZK-5 and P. citrinum CTD-24 caused cumulative mortality, including 93.3 and 83.3% mortality of eggs and neonates, respectively, at 1 × 108 conidia mL−1. Furthermore, B. bassiana ZK-5 reduced the feeding efficacy of first to third instar S. frugiperda larvae by 66.7 to 78.6%, while P. citrinum CTD-24 and C. tenuissimum SE-10 reduced larval feeding by 48.3 to 57.1% at 1 × 108 conidia mL−1. However, these fungal isolates were less potent in reducing the feeding activity of fourth to sixth instar S. frugiperda larvae (>46% with B. bassiana at 48 h post-treatment). The tested fungal isolates could play an essential role as microbial biopesticides in suppressing the S. frugiperda population in China after further investigations on their efficacy are obtained in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Idrees
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China;
| | - Ziyad Abdul Qadir
- Honeybee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Park Road, Islamabad 45500, Pakistan;
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Komivi Senyo Akutse
- Plant Health Theme, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya;
| | - Ayesha Afzal
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, 1-Km Defense Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Mubasher Hussain
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Mineral oil pesticides, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou 510260, China;
| | - Waqar Islam
- Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Muhammad Saad Waqas
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, and Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pest in Guiyang, Institute of Entomology, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China;
| | - Bamisope Steve Bamisile
- Laboratory of Quarantine and Invasive Pests, Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
| | - Jun Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China;
- Correspondence:
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Qadir ZA, Idrees A, Mahmood R, Sarwar G, Bakar MA, Ahmad S, Raza MM, Li J. Effectiveness of Different Soft Acaricides against Honey Bee Ectoparasitic Mite Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae). Insects 2021; 12:insects12111032. [PMID: 34821832 PMCID: PMC8624935 DOI: 10.3390/insects12111032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Over the past few decades, the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor has been a significant threat to managed honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies worldwide. Many control methods, including application of synthetic acaricides, have been adopted to control the infestation of varroa mites in honey bee colonies. Synthetic acaricides such as coumaphos and fluvalinate are only effective in reducing susceptible mites. Besides, synthetic acaricides pose multiple threats to honey bee colonies and the environment, necessitating their alteration with non-synthetic options. Naturally occurring compounds are considered an essential alternative control measure for varroa mites. Natural acaricides are derived from plants that contain essential oils or organic acids. The current study investigated the efficacy of formic acid, oxalic acid, and thymol in the control of Varroa mites. These soft acaricides were applied at various concentrations/quantities. Formic acid, oxalic acid, and thymol were all effective at lowering mite population levels. Formic acid, oxalic acid, and thymol can be used in an integrated management plan to control varroa mite populations. This scientific-based information can be shared with the beekeeping community of Pakistan and elsewhere, which will be helpful in managing this parasite that often affects honey bee productivity. Abstract Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are essential for their products—honey, royal jelly, pollen, propolis and beeswax. They are also indispensable because they support ecosystems with their pollination services. However, the production and functions of honey bees are hindered by the arthropod pest Varroa destructor, which attacks bees through its feeding activities. Efforts to control varroa mites have been made through the development of various synthetic pesticide groups, but have had limited success because the mites developed resistance and some of these pesticides are harmful to bees. Branded pesticides are rarely used in Pakistan, as beekeepers utilize acaricides from unknown sources. There is a need to create awareness of available naturally occurring acaricides that may serve as an alternative to synthetic acaricides. Although some naturally occurring compounds are considered toxic to the environment, the soft acaricides oxalic acid, thymol, and formic acid 65% are usually safe for honey bee colonies and beekeepers, when handled appropriately. The current study investigated the effectiveness of formic acid (10, 15, and 20 mL/hive), oxalic acid (4.2, 3.2, and 2.1%/hive), and thymol (6, 4, and 2 g/hive) in controlling mite infestation. The results indicated that all treatments significantly reduced the mite population (p < 0.05). The average efficacies of oxalic acid at 3.2% (94.84% ± 0.34) and 4.2% (92.68% ± 0.37) were significantly higher than those of the other treatments. The lowest efficacy was recorded in formic acid 65% at 10 mL (54.13%). Overall, the results indicated that soft acaricides—such as oxalic acid at 3.2% and 4.2% concentrations—are very effective at controlling varroa mites and can be used in broodless conditions without side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyad Abdul Qadir
- Honeybee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Park Road, Islamabad 45500, Pakistan; (Z.A.Q.); (R.M.); (G.S.)
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Atif Idrees
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China;
| | - Rashid Mahmood
- Honeybee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Park Road, Islamabad 45500, Pakistan; (Z.A.Q.); (R.M.); (G.S.)
| | - Ghulam Sarwar
- Honeybee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Park Road, Islamabad 45500, Pakistan; (Z.A.Q.); (R.M.); (G.S.)
| | - Muhammad Abu Bakar
- Department of Entomology, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan;
| | - Saboor Ahmad
- Institute of Apicultural Research/Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Muhammad Mohsin Raza
- The Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK;
| | - Jun Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China;
- Correspondence:
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Mahmood R, Abu Bakar M, Raza MF, Qadir ZA, Yahya M. Efficacy of Naturally Occurring Chemicals for the Integrated Control of Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) in Honeybee Colonies. PAK J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.17582/journal.pjz/20200219080258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Rafique MK, Mahmood R, Qadir ZA, Bodlah I, Shaheen FA. Effects of Rearing Interlude and Grafting Technique on Honeybee Apis mellifera L. Queen under Field Conditions. PAK J ZOOL 2019. [DOI: 10.17582/journal.pjz/2019.51.6.sc1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Bakar MA, Aqueel MA, Raza ABM, Arshad M, Mahmood R, Qadir ZA. Comparative Efficacy of Five Commercial Synthetic Acaricides against Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) in Apis mellifera L. Colonies. PAK J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.17582/journal.pjz/2018.50.3.857.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Mahmood R, Asad S, Sarwar G, Ahmad W, Qadir ZA, Balouch A, Rafique MK. Pollen Collection and Pollen Foraging Behaviour of Honeybees (Apis mellifera) during Different Time Intervals from Brassica campestris L. PAK J ZOOL 2017. [DOI: 10.17582/journal.pjz/2017.49.2.sc4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Mahmood R, Asad S, Ahmad W, Sarwar G, Rafique MK, Islam N, Qadir ZA, Abiden ZU. Efficacy of Screen Bottom Board Tray with and without Soft Chemicals for Controlling Varroa destructor in Honeybee Colonies. PAK J ZOOL 2016. [DOI: 10.17582/journal.pjz/2017.49.1.8.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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