Isolation and Selection of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples and Evaluation of Fungal Virulence against Insect Pests

Yao-Chia Liu; Nian-Tong Ni; Ju-Chun Chang; Yi-Hsuan Li; Mi Rong Lee; Jae Su Kim; Yu-Shin Nai

doi:10.3791/62882

Isolation and Selection of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples and Evaluation of Fungal Viru...

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Isolation and Selection of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples and Evaluation of Fungal Virulence against Insect Pests

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09:42 min

September 28, 2021

DOI: 10.3791/62882-v

Yao-Chia Liu¹, Nian-Tong Ni¹, Ju-Chun Chang¹, Yi-Hsuan Li¹, Mi Rong Lee², Jae Su Kim^2,3, Yu-Shin Nai¹

¹Department of Entomology,National Chung Hsing University, ²Department of Agricultural biology,Jeonbuk National University, ³Department of Agricultural Convergence Technology,Jeonbuk National University

Overview

This study presents a protocol utilizing a mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) bait system for the isolation and selection of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) from soil samples. The method incorporates a formula for effective conidia number (ECN) to identify high stress tolerant EPF, aimed at enhancing pest microbial control.

Key Study Components

Research Area

Entomopathogenic fungi
Microbial pest control
Soil sample analysis

Background

Importance of isolating high virulence EPF for effective pest management
Use of fungal isolates in studying pest-fungi interactions
Contribution to biological control methods

Methods Used

Isolation of EPF using Tenebrio molitor as bait
Pathogenicity screenings and conidia production assays
Genomic analysis through PCR and phylogenetic methods

Main Results

Successful isolation of high virulence EPF from soil samples
Development of protocols for evaluating fungal pathogenicity and thermotolerance
Identification of promising fungal isolates for commercialization

Conclusions

This study establishes a viable method for selecting entomopathogenic fungal isolates.
The findings enhance our understanding of microbial control in pest management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the study?

To isolate and select high virulence entomopathogenic fungi for pest control.

How are Tenebrio molitor worms used in this method?

They serve as bait in the soil to attract and help isolate EPF.

What is the significance of the effective conidia number (ECN)?

ECN helps identify fungi with superior stress tolerance for pest management.

What are some techniques employed in the study?

Pathogenicity screening, thermotolerance assays, and genomic analysis.

How can this research contribute to biological control?

It provides methods for isolating fungal metabolites that can be used in pest management.

What are the potential applications of the isolated fungal strains?

They can be commercialized for use in microbial pest control strategies.

What future research could stem from this study?

Further exploration of pest-fungus interactions and development of new biocontrol agents.

Here we present a protocol based on the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)-bait system that was used for isolating and selecting entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) from soil samples. An effective conidia number (ECN) formula is used to select high stress tolerant EPF based on physiological characteristics for pest microbial control in the field.

The method for entomopathogenic fungi isolation is important for developing microbial control agents. This protocol can be used to isolate and select high virulence entomopathogenic fungal isolates from the soil samples. This technique includes three prongs of pathogenicity screening and combines the thermotolerance and conidia production assay to make the effective conidia number ranking.

The method can help select high virulence and promising entomopathogenic new fungal isolates for commercializing. This protocol focuses on biological control, it could also be used to discover the entomopathogenic fungal isolates to study the interaction between pests and entomopathogenic fungi. Demonstrating the procedure will be Yao-Chia Liu and Nian-Tong Ni, master student from my laboratory.

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