Antagonism of entomopathogenic fungi by Bacillus spp. associated with the integument of cicadellids and delphacids

Authors

  • Andrea Toledo Plant Pathology Research Center, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires.
  • Silvina López Institute of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, National University of La Plata- CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires.
  • Mónica Aulicino Institute of Phytotechnology Santa Catalina, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, National University of La Plata, Lavallol, Buenos Aires.
  • Ana María de Remes Lenicov Entomology Division, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Museum, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires.
  • Pedro Balatti Plant Pathology Research Center, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires.

Keywords:

Bacillus spp., antagonism, entomopathogenic fungi, Cicadellidae, Delphacidae

Abstract

Entomopathogenic fungi are potential tools to biocontrol cicadellids and delphacids, two groups of insects that cause extensive damage to agricultural crops. However, bacteria living on the host cuticle may inhibit fungal growth. In the present work, following the molecular characterization of 10 strains of Bacillus isolated from the integument of cicadellids and delphacids, we selected isolates of the fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae that are resistant to the antimicrobials secreted by these bacterial strains. The antagonistic activity of the 10 bacterial isolates belonging to the genus Bacillus (i.e., B. amyloliquefaciens, B. pumilus, and B. subtilis) against 41 isolates of Bea. bassiana and 20 isolates of M. anisopliae was investigated in vitro on tryptic soy agar using the central disk test. With this approach, isolates of Bea. bassiana and M. anisopliae resistant to antagonistic bacteria were identified that can be further developed as biological control agents. [Int Microbiol 2015; 18(2):91-97]

Keywords: Bacillus spp. · antagonism · entomopathogenic fungi · Cicadellidae · Delphacidae

Author Biography

Mónica Aulicino, Institute of Phytotechnology Santa Catalina, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, National University of La Plata, Lavallol, Buenos Aires.

 


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Issue

Vol. 18 No. 2 (2015)

Section

Research Articles

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