FEMS Microbiology Letters (2014) 355, 108-115

Annarita Cito, Giuseppe Mazza, Agostino Strangi, Claudia Benvenuti, Gian P. Barzanti, Elena Dreassi, Tullio Turchetti, Valeria Francardi and Pio F. Roversi (2014)
Characterization and comparison of Metarhizium strains isolated from Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
FEMS Microbiology Letters 355 (2), 108-115
Abstract: Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is considered the worst pest of palm species, and few natural enemies are reported for this parasite in its area of origin. Here, we report the first recovery of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium pingshaense associated with R. ferrugineus from Vietnam. The morphological, biochemical, and toxicological features of this strain were studied and compared with those of another Metarhizium strain associated with this weevil in Sicily (Italy), an area of recent introduction. The potential use of these fungi as biocontrol agents was tested against adult insects in laboratory trials and a similar mortality rate was found. Both strains were able to produce toxins and cuticle-degrading proteases, but they showed dissimilar enzymatic and toxicological profiles, suggesting a different virulence activity.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Giuseppe Mazza, Pio Federico Roversi

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
evaluation - screening - selection

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Rhynchophorus ferrugineus		Vietnam
Metarhizium anisopliae (entomopathogen)	Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Metarhizium pingshaense (entomopathogen)	Rhynchophorus ferrugineus		Vietnam