Insect Science (2021) 28, 347-354

Shu-Qian Tan, Yue Yin, Kai-Li Cao, Xin-Xin Zhao, Xiao-Yu Wang, Yu-Xin Zhang and Wang-Peng Shi (2021)
Effects of a combined infection with Paranosema locustae and Beauveria bassiana on Locusta migratoria and its gut microflora
Insect Science 28 (2), 347-354
Abstract: Even though Paranosema locustae is widely used in China as a biological agent for controlling grasshoppers, the mortality rate is initially quite low. This study sought to determine whether the simultaneous use of P. locustae and Beauveria bassiana would be a more effective control strategy. Additionally, changes in the intestinal microbial communities of migratory locusts infected with the two pathogens were analyzed to investigate the roles of gut microbes in pathogen–host interactions. The mortality rate of locusts inoculated with B. bassiana and P. locustae simultaneously was not significantly higher than expected, but the mortality rates of locusts inoculated with B. bassiana 3, 6, and 9 days after inoculation with P. locustae were significantly higher than if their effects were additive, indicating synergism. A MiSeq analysis found that Weissella was the most common bacterium, representing 41.48% and 51.62% of the total bacteria in the mid- and hindguts, respectively, and the bacterial declines were greatest during dual infections with B. bassiana and P. locustae. The appropriately timed combined application of P. locustae and B. bassiana was more effective against locusts than either treatment alone. Moreover, the combined inoculation of the two pathogens changed the gut microflora of locusts, indicating the potential relevancy of their synergistic effects on locust control.
(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): Wang-Peng Shi

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
application technology

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Locusta migratoria
Beauveria bassiana (entomopathogen)	Locusta migratoria
Paranosema locustae (entomopathogen)	Locusta migratoria