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Pathogens
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Entomopathogenic Fungi and Nematodes in Modern Agriculture
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Entomopathogenic Fungi and Nematodes in Modern Agriculture

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 9288

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Waqas Wakil

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
2. Senckenberg German Entomological Institute, Müncheberg, Germany
Interests: insect pathogens; biological control; microbial control; plant-insect-microbe-interactions; IPM
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yaqiang Zheng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Resource and Utilization Research Center of Medicinal Cordyceps, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
Interests: diversity of entomopathogenic fungi; biological control; entomopathogenic fungi-plant associations
Dr. Wenwu Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Interests: biological control; entomopathogenic fungi-plant associations; plant physiology; insect biochemistry; molecular biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes, a large group of pathogens for insects, have been widely used in the management of insect pests worldwide in recent decades. This is a well-recognized pest control strategy which is not only effective for limiting the occurrence and damage of insect herbivores, but also environmentally friendly by reducing the amount of pesticide usage. With the deepening of our understanding of the ecological relationship in agro-ecosystems, research on entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes has moved to a new level. Here, we are pleased to announce the launch of a new research topic on “Entomopathogenic Fungi and Nematodes in Modern Agriculture” in Pathogens. This topic will highlight (1) the identification and characterization of entomopathogenic fungi and nematode species, (2) insects’ response to these pathogens, (3) the interplay between other organisms in agro-ecosystems, including plants, plant pathogens, etc., and these insect pathogens, and 4) the interaction of these pathogens with chemical and other agents in the management of pests in sustainable agriculture, focusing on both agricultural crops and stored products. We welcome investigators to submit original research, reviews, mini-reviews, methods, and perspective articles covering potential subtopics that include but are not limited to these research highlights.

Dr. Waqas Wakil
Dr. Yaqiang Zheng
Dr. Wenwu Zhou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pathogens is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • entomopathogenic fungi
  • entomopathogenic nematodes
  • biopesticide
  • sustainable agriculture
  • IPM

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 360 KiB  
Article
The Potential of Two Entomopathogenic Fungi and Enhanced Diatomaceous Earth Mixed with Abamectin: A Comprehensive Study on Mortality, Progeny Production, Application Method, and Surface Application against Tribolium castaneum
by Waqas Wakil, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Nikoleta Eleftheriadou, Tahira Riasat, Muhammad Usman Ghazanfar, Khawaja G. Rasool, Mureed Husain and Abdulrahman S. Aldawood
Pathogens 2023, 12(6), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12060773 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1197
Abstract
This study determined the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Bals. -Criv.) Vuill., Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin, and diatomaceous earth mixed with abamectin (DEA) alone and in their combinations for the integrated management of larvae and adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) from three field populations [...] Read more.
This study determined the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Bals. -Criv.) Vuill., Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin, and diatomaceous earth mixed with abamectin (DEA) alone and in their combinations for the integrated management of larvae and adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) from three field populations of Pakistan (Multan, Rawalpindi, and Rahim Yar Khan) and one laboratory population (Faisalabad). Treatments were applied on three surfaces, namely, viz. steel, concrete, and jute bags, implementing two application methods, dusting and spraying. The combined treatments were more effective in comparison with single treatments for both larvae and adults. Overall, the highest mortality rates were recorded in the Faisalabad population, followed by the Rehaim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, and Multan populations. Progeny production was suspended 21 days after exposure to the combined treatment of DEA and both fungi in all populations except Rawalpindi. Larvae were found to be more susceptible than adults in all treatments and intervals. Dusting was more efficient than spraying for both larvae and adults and for all the populations studied. The present study provides a wholistic understanding of the impact of different factors on the success of the combined treatments using DEA and entomopathogenic fungi, supporting their use as surface treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entomopathogenic Fungi and Nematodes in Modern Agriculture)
15 pages, 4102 KiB  
Article
The Symbiotic Bacteria—Xenorhabdus nematophila All and Photorhabdus luminescens H06 Strongly Affected the Phenoloxidase Activation of Nipa Palm Hispid, Octodonta nipae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Larvae
by Nafiu Bala Sanda and Youming Hou
Pathogens 2023, 12(4), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12040506 - 23 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1400
Abstract
Symbiotic bacteria form a mutualistic relationship with nematodes and are pathogenic to many insect pests. They kill insects using various strategies to evade or suppress their humoral and cellular immunity. Here we evaluate the toxic effects of these bacteria and their secondary metabolites [...] Read more.
Symbiotic bacteria form a mutualistic relationship with nematodes and are pathogenic to many insect pests. They kill insects using various strategies to evade or suppress their humoral and cellular immunity. Here we evaluate the toxic effects of these bacteria and their secondary metabolites on the survival and phenoloxidase (PO) activation of Octodonta nipae larvae using biochemical and molecular methods. The results show P. luminescens H06 and X. nematophila All treatments caused significant reductions in the number of O. nipae larvae in a dose-dependent manner. Secondly, the O. nipae immune system recognizes symbiotic bacteria at early and late stages of infection via the induction of C-type lectin. Live symbiotic bacteria significantly inhibit PO activity in O. nipae whereas heat-treated bacteria strongly increase PO activity. Additionally, expression levels of four O. nipae proPhenoloxidase genes following treatment with P. luminescens H06 and X. nematophila All were compared. We found that the expression levels of all proPhenoloxidase genes were significantly down-regulated at all-time points. Similarly, treatments of O. nipae larvae with metabolites benzylideneacetone and oxindole significantly down-regulated the expression of the PPO gene and inhibited PO activity. However, the addition of arachidonic acid to metabolite-treated larvae restored the expression level of the PPO gene and increased PO activity. Our results provide new insight into the roles of symbiotic bacteria in countering the insect phenoloxidase activation system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entomopathogenic Fungi and Nematodes in Modern Agriculture)
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13 pages, 1791 KiB  
Article
Production of Escovopsis weberi (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Mycelial Pellets and Their Effects on Leaf-Cutting Ant Fungal Gardens
by Thais Berçot Pontes Teodoro, Aline Teixeira Carolino, Raymyson Rhuryo de Sousa Queiroz, Patrícia Batista de Oliveira, Denise Dolores Oliveira Moreira, Gerson Adriano Silva and Richard Ian Samuels
Pathogens 2023, 12(2), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12020330 - 15 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1430
Abstract
The maintenance of the symbiosis between leaf-cutting ants and their mutualistic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus Singer (Moller) is vital for the survival of both species. The specialist fungal parasite Escovopsis weberi Muchovej & Della Lucia is a threat to this symbiosis, causing severe damage to [...] Read more.
The maintenance of the symbiosis between leaf-cutting ants and their mutualistic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus Singer (Moller) is vital for the survival of both species. The specialist fungal parasite Escovopsis weberi Muchovej & Della Lucia is a threat to this symbiosis, causing severe damage to the fungal garden. Mycelial pellets are resistant fungal structures that can be produced under laboratory conditions. These structures were studied for use in biological pest control, but the production of mycelial pellets has not previously been documented in Escovopsis. One of the aims of this study was to induce Escovopsis weberi to produce mycelial pellets and investigate the potential of these pellets for the control of leaf-cutting ants. We compared the pathogenicity of Escovopsis weberi mycelial pellets and conidia against mini-colonies of Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus Forel when applied in the form of baits. Worker ants were able to distinguish mycelial pellets from conidia, as baits with mycelial pellets were more attractive to workers than those with conidia, causing a greater negative impact on colony health. All types of baits containing Escovopsis weberi influenced the foraging activity but only treatments with viable fungal propagules resulted in an increase in the quantity of waste material, with a significant negative impact on the fungal garden biomass. The results provided novel information regarding Escovopsis recognition by worker ants and differences between conidia and mycelial pellet dynamics in leaf-cutting ant colonies, with new perspectives for the biological control of these important pests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entomopathogenic Fungi and Nematodes in Modern Agriculture)
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11 pages, 669 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes against Common Wireworm Species in Potato Cultivation
by Arife Gümüş Askar, Ebubekir Yüksel, Refik Bozbuğa, Atilla Öcal, Halil Kütük, Dilek Dinçer, Ramazan Canhilal, Abdelfattah A. Dababat and Mustafa İmren
Pathogens 2023, 12(2), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12020288 - 09 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1490
Abstract
Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are common insect pests that attack a wide range of economically important crops including potatoes. The control of wireworms is of prime importance in potato production due to the potential damage of the larvae to tuber quantity and quality. Chemical [...] Read more.
Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are common insect pests that attack a wide range of economically important crops including potatoes. The control of wireworms is of prime importance in potato production due to the potential damage of the larvae to tuber quantity and quality. Chemical insecticides, the main control strategy against wireworms, generally fail to provide satisfactory control due to the lack of available chemicals and the soil-dwelling habits of the larvae. In the last decades, new eco-friendly concepts have emerged in the sustainable control of wireworms, one of which is entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). EPNs are soil-inhabitant organisms and represent an ecological approach to controlling a great variety of soil-dwelling insect pests. In this study, the susceptibility of Agriotes sputator Linnaeus and A. rufipalpis Brullé larvae, the most common wireworm species in potato cultivation in Türkiye, to native EPN strains [Steinernema carpocapsae (Sc_BL22), S. feltiae (Sf_BL24 and Sf_KAY4), and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb_KAY10 and Hb_AF12)] were evaluated at two temperatures (25 and 30 °C) in pot experiments. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Hb_AF12 was the most effective strain at 30 °C six days post-inoculation and caused 37.5% mortality to A. rufipalpis larvae. Agriotes sputator larvae were more susceptible to tested EPNs at the same exposure time, and 50% mortality was achieved by two EPNs species, Hb_AF12 and Sc_BL22. All EPN species/strains induced mortality over 70% to both wireworm species at both temperatures at 100 IJs/cm2, 18 days post-treatment. The results suggest that tested EPN species/strains have great potential in the control of A. sputator and A. rufipalpis larvae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entomopathogenic Fungi and Nematodes in Modern Agriculture)
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Review

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17 pages, 4681 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Life History Transition with Nematode-Trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora and Its Application in Sustainable Agriculture
by Da Wang, Nan Ma, Wanqin Rao and Ying Zhang
Pathogens 2023, 12(3), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12030367 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2500
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes cause great annual loss in the agricultural industry globally. Arthrobotrys oligospora is the most prevalent and common nematode-trapping fungus (NTF) in the environment and the candidate for the control of plant- and animal-parasitic nematodes. A. oligospora is also the first recognized [...] Read more.
Parasitic nematodes cause great annual loss in the agricultural industry globally. Arthrobotrys oligospora is the most prevalent and common nematode-trapping fungus (NTF) in the environment and the candidate for the control of plant- and animal-parasitic nematodes. A. oligospora is also the first recognized and intensively studied NTF species. This review highlights the recent research advances of A. oligospora as a model to study the biological signals of the switch from saprophytism to predation and their sophisticated mechanisms for interacting with their invertebrate hosts, which is of vital importance for improving the engineering of this species as an effective biocontrol fungus. The application of A. oligospora in industry and agriculture, especially as biological control agents for sustainable purposes, was summarized, and we discussed the increasing role of A. oligospora in studying its sexual morph and genetic transformation in complementing biological control research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entomopathogenic Fungi and Nematodes in Modern Agriculture)
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