Journal of Pest Science (2010) 83, 361-370

Shaukat Ali, Zhen Huang and Shunxiang Ren (2010)
Production of cuticle degrading enzymes by Isaria fumosorosea and their evaluation as a biocontrol agent against diamondback moth
Journal of Pest Science 83 (4), 361-370
Abstract: Production and biocontrol efficacy of culture filtrates containing cuticle degrading enzymes from three isolates of Isaria fumosorosea against diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) was observed during this study. This fungus when cultured in liquid medium having different carbon sources showed maximum biomass production when 1% chitin was added as carbon source. These isolates when grown in liquid culture conditions having 1% chitin as source produced cuticular degrading enzymes (proteases (Pr1 and Pr2), chitinases, chitosanase, and lipase) in a sequential manner and the production of these enzymes differed from control. Biocontrol assays with P. xylostella showed that the culture filtrates of I. fumosorosea were potent antifeedants because reduction in the feeding rate and body weight of the larvae was observed. Similarly, reduction in rates of successful pupation, adult emergence was observed when the culture filtrates were applied topically. At the end of the test period, the lowest ST₅₀ value (1.57 ± 0.20 days) was recorded for insect groups treated with culture filtrates from isolate IF28.2 when compared to the control. In view of the need for safer and environmentally friendly pest management tools, the present study can help in the development of enzyme-based biopesticides against P. xylostella.
(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): Shun-Xiang Ren

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
molecular biology - genes

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Plutella xylostella
Cordyceps fumosorosea (entomopathogen)	Plutella xylostella