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Updated: May 25, 2026
Development of Metarhizium anisopliae as a Mycoinsecticide: From Isolation to Field Performance
Published on: July 30, 2017
Cuticle-Degrading Proteases Produced by Metarhizium anisopliae and Their Induction in Different Media
Priyanka Dhar1, Gurvinder Kaur
1Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039 Assam India.
Abstract:
Protease production by fourteen M. anisopliae isolates differing in geographical origin and host insect were investigated. Highest protease activity was observed during 4-8 days of culture incubation. Pr1 and Pr2 activity was investigated in various media containing different carbon and nitrogen source to evaluate the induction mechanism of these enzymes. Basal levels of Pr1 and Pr2 activity were observed in minimal medium suggesting constitutive production. Casein (1%) as an exogenous protein supplement was not able to induce significant release of Pr1 and Pr2 enzymes, whereas high levels of activity were observed in the medium containing colloidal chitin (2%) as sole carbon and nitrogen source. The pH, ammonia and oxalic acid production in in vitro conditions was also investigated and the alteration in pH for protease production was not significant in the different media used except for the medium containing casein (1%) as a supplement.
Insights
Protease production by M. anisopliae isolates was highest with colloidal chitin. This study investigated protease enzyme induction mechanisms in various media.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- Metarharhizium anisopliae is an entomopathogenic fungus.
- Proteases are crucial virulence factors for entomopathogenic fungi.
- Understanding protease production is key to optimizing fungal biocontrol agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate protease production in fourteen M. anisopliae isolates.
- To evaluate the induction mechanisms of Pr1 and Pr2 proteases.
- To determine the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources for protease activity.
Main Methods:
- Culturing M. anisopliae isolates in various media with different carbon and nitrogen sources.
- Measuring protease activity (Pr1 and Pr2) over time.
- Monitoring pH, ammonia, and oxalic acid production in vitro.
Main Results:
- Highest protease activity observed between 4-8 days of culture.
- Constitutive production of Pr1 and Pr2 proteases in minimal medium.
- Colloidal chitin as the sole carbon and nitrogen source significantly induced high protease activity.
- Casein did not significantly induce protease release, with minor pH alterations.
Conclusions:
- Colloidal chitin is a potent inducer of M. anisopliae proteases.
- Protease production is influenced by specific nutrient availability.
- Further research can optimize M. anisopliae for biocontrol applications based on these findings.
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