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[Interrelationship between the intestinal microflora of lackey moth, brown-tail moth and the entomopathogenic
Abstract:
The interrelationship between the intestine microflora of lackey moth (Malacosoma neustria L.), brown-tail moth (Nygmia phaeorrhoea L.) and entomopathogenic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Berl.), Bac. thuringiensis var. galleriea, and Bac. thuringiensis KR3 was studied in vitro. Various organisms of the intestine microflora of lackey moth display bacteriostatic action towards Bac. thuringiensis var. galleriea and Bac. thuringiensis KR3 which is not typical of the microflora of brown-tail moth that manifests mainly the batericidal action. Yeast cultures have been isolated from the intestines of lackey moth; the cultures stimulated growth of the studied entomopathogenic bacterial test cultures. Therefore, weak virulent action of Bac. thuringiensis towards brown-tail moth, as compared to its action on lackey moth, may be due to the bactericidal properties of some intestine microorganisms of brown-tail moth, and also the absence in their intestines of microorganisms stimulating growth of the entomopathogenic bacteria.
Insights
Gut microbes in lackey moths inhibit Bacillus thuringiensis, while brown-tail moth microbes kill it. Yeast in lackey moth guts boost bacterial growth, impacting pathogen virulence.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Entomology
- Insect-Microbe Interactions
- Biocontrol Agents
Context:
- The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in insect health and susceptibility to pathogens.
- Bacillus thuringiensis is a widely used biopesticide, and its efficacy can be influenced by host-associated microbes.
- Understanding the interactions between insect gut flora and entomopathogenic bacteria is key to optimizing biocontrol strategies.
Purpose:
- To investigate the in vitro interrelationships between the gut microflora of lackey moth (Malacosoma neustria L.) and brown-tail moth (Nygmia phaeorrhoea L.) and entomopathogenic bacteria, specifically Bacillus thuringiensis strains.
- To compare the effects of gut microbes from different moth species on the growth and viability of Bacillus thuringiensis.
- To identify specific microbial components within the insect gut that influence the virulence of Bacillus thuringiensis.
Summary:
- Gut microflora from lackey moths exhibited bacteriostatic effects against Bacillus thuringiensis var. galleriea and KR3, whereas brown-tail moth microflora showed primarily bactericidal action.
- Yeast isolated from lackey moth intestines stimulated the growth of tested Bacillus thuringiensis cultures.
- These findings suggest that the reduced virulence of Bacillus thuringiensis against brown-tail moths may be attributed to the bactericidal properties of their gut microbes and the absence of growth-promoting microorganisms.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the differential efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis against various insect pests based on their gut microbiome composition.
- Highlights the potential for manipulating insect gut microbiota to enhance the effectiveness of microbial biopesticides.
- Contributes to the development of more targeted and efficient pest management strategies in agriculture and forestry.