Psyche (2011) 2011 (849038), 1-5

Robert B. Srygley and Stefan T. Jaronski (2011)
Immune response of Mormon crickets that survived infection by Beauveria bassiana
Psyche 2011 (849038), 1-5
Abstract: Beauveria bassiana (Fungi: Ascomycota) is an entomopathogenic fungus that serves as a biological control agent of Mormon crickets Anabrus simplex Haldeman (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) and other grasshopper pests. To measure the dose-dependent response of Mormon crickets to fungal attack, we applied B. bassiana strain GHA topically to adults using doses of 5.13 × to 1.75 × conidia in sunflower oil, with oil only as a control. After three weeks, we assessed the survivors' hemolymph for fungal cells, active phenoloxidase (PO), and lysozyme. Mortality increased and body mass of survivors decreased with conidial dose. survivors' PO activity was elevated to the same level independent of dose. Those with fungal cells visible in their hemolymph did not differ in PO activity from those with clear hemolymph. We conclude that circulating PO may be an important enzymatic defense against Beauveria infection and that it is associated with attempted clearing of Beauveria blastospores and hyphae from Mormon cricket hemolymph.
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Database assignments for author(s): Robert B. Srygley, Stefan T. Jaronski

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.
	Anabrus simplex		U.S.A. (NW)
Beauveria bassiana (entomopathogen)	Anabrus simplex