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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Isolation and Selection of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples and Evaluation of Fungal Virulence against Insect Pests
Published on: September 28, 2021
Development, Distribution, and Host Studies of the Fungus Macrobiotophthoira vermicola (Entomophthorales)
Abstract:
The life cycle and host range of Macrobiotophthora vermicola were studied. Secondary spores produced from forcibly ejected primary spores adhered to the cuticle of Cruznema tripartitum, germinated, and penetrated the cuticle within 30 minutes. New primary spores were produced within 24 hours of initial spore adhesion. In a host range study, species of Rhabditidae, Diplogasteridae, and Aphelenchoidea were hosts, but not species of Bunonematidae, Tripylidae, Cephalobida, or Tylenchina. Numbers of second-stage Meloidogyne incognita juveniles were not decreased when added to soil seeded with infected C. tripartitum. In six Tennessee soybean fields, Macrobiotophthora vermicola was the most commonly encountered nematode-destroying fungus, followed by a sterile, nonseptate fungus and Arthrobotrys conoides. Nematophagous fungi were isolated more frequently from silt loam soils than from clay soils. Addition of C. tripartitum to soil extract plates as a bait nematode did not increase isolations of nematophagous fungi.
Insights
Macrobiotophthora vermicola infects and reproduces rapidly on Cruznema tripartitum nematodes. This nematode-destroying fungus targets Rhabditidae, Diplogasteridae, and Aphelenchoidea, and is common in Tennessee soybean fields.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Mycology
- Nematology
Background:
- Nematode-destroying fungi play a crucial role in regulating nematode populations in soil ecosystems.
- Understanding the life cycle and host range of these fungi is essential for developing biological control strategies.
- Macrobiotophthora vermicola is a known entomopathogenic fungus with potential nematophagous capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the life cycle and host range of the nematode-destroying fungus Macrobiotophthora vermicola.
- To determine the efficacy of M. vermicola against plant-parasitic nematodes.
- To assess the prevalence of M. vermicola in Tennessee soybean fields.
Main Methods:
- Observed the germination and penetration of M. vermicola secondary spores on Cruznema tripartitum.
- Determined the reproductive cycle of M. vermicola on C. tripartitum.
- Conducted host range studies using various nematode families.
- Assessed the impact of M. vermicola on Meloidogyne incognita populations in soil.
- Surveyed soybean fields in Tennessee for the presence of nematophagous fungi.
Main Results:
- M. vermicola secondary spores adhered to, germinated on, and penetrated C. tripartitum cuticle within 30 minutes.
- New primary spores of M. vermicola were produced within 24 hours of initial spore adhesion.
- M. vermicola successfully infected species of Rhabditidae, Diplogasteridae, and Aphelenchoidea, but not Bunonematidae, Tripylidae, Cephalobida, or Tylenchina.
- Infection of C. tripartitum did not reduce populations of Meloidogyne incognita juveniles.
- M. vermicola was the most frequently isolated nematophagous fungus in Tennessee soybean fields, particularly in silt loam soils.
Conclusions:
- Macrobiotophthora vermicola exhibits a rapid life cycle and effectively infects a specific range of soil nematodes.
- While M. vermicola is prevalent, it did not demonstrate control over Meloidogyne incognita in this study.
- Further research is needed to explore the potential of M. vermicola and other nematophagous fungi for integrated pest management.
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