BioControl (2015) 60, 517-526

Kevin R. Ulrich, Mark F. Feldlaufer, Matthew Kramer and Raymond J. St. Leger (2015)
Inhibition of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato in vitro by the bed bug defensive secretions (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-octenal
BioControl 60 (4), 517-526
Abstract: The two major aldehydes (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-octenal emitted as defensive secretions by bed bugs Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), inhibit the in vitro growth of an isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato (s.l.) (Metsch.) Sokorin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) (ARSEF 1548). These chemicals inhibit fungal growth by direct contact and via indirect exposure ("fumigation"). Fumigation with (E)-2-octenal for as little as 0.5 h was sufficient to inhibit all fungal growth. Bed bugs placed on filter paper treated with an isolate of M. anisopliae s.l. conidia in the absence of (E)-2-octenal exhibited 99 % mortality after one week. However, bed bugs placed on fungal-treated filter paper and exposed to (E)-2-octenal at 1 h experienced 10 % mortality. The inhibition of fungal growth by bed bug aldehydes is discussed in the context of other biotic and abiotic barriers to infection.
(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): Kevin Ulrich

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
resistance/tolerance/defence of host

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Cimex lectularius
Metarhizium anisopliae (entomopathogen)	Cimex lectularius