The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology (2006) 53, 165-176

Verena-Ulrike Bläske-Lietze, Alexandra M. Shapiro, John S. Denton, Michael Botts, James J. Becnel and Drion G. Boucias (2006)
Development of the insect pathogenic alga Helicosporidium
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology 53 (3), 165-176
Abstract: This study examined the morphogenesis and replication dynamics of the different life stages (cysts, filamentous cells, vegetative cells) of Helicosporidium sp., a non-photosynthetic, entomopathogenic alga. The isolate (SjHe) used originated from an infected black fly larva. Filamentous cell transformation into vegetative cells and autosporulation during vegetative cell replication were observed under controlled in vitro conditions. The transformation process was initiated by a partial swelling of the filamentous cell along with the reorganization of the nuclear material. Two subsequent nuclear and cell divisions resulted in the release of 4 rod-shaped daughter cells, which divided into oval to spherical vegetative cells. These underwent several cycles of autosporogenic cell division. Multiple-passaged vegetative cell cultures formed non-motile, adherent cell clusters (palmelloid colonies). Vegetative replication dynamics were also observed in 2 experimental noctuid hosts, Spodoptera exigua and Helicoverpa zea. The average density of helicosporidial cells produced per microliter hemolymph exceeded cell concentrations obtained in vitro by 15- and 46-fold in S. exigua and H. zea, respectively. Cyst morphogenesis was only observed in the hemolymph, whereas no cysts differentiated at various in vitro conditions.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Verena-Ulrike Lietze, James J. Becnel

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Spodoptera exigua
	Helicoverpa zea
Helicosporidium (genus - entomopathogens)	Spodoptera exigua
Helicosporidium (genus - entomopathogens)	Helicoverpa zea