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The Role of Fumonisins in the Biological Interaction between Fusarium verticillioides and Sitophilus zeamais

V L Usseglio1,2, J S Dambolena3,4, M J Martinez5

  • 1Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBiV-CONICET-UNC), Av. Vélez Sarsfield 1611, Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba, Argentina.

Journal of Chemical Ecology
|September 18, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Fusarium verticillioides mold did not infect the grain beetle Sitophilus zeamais. However, fumonisins from the mold increased insect progeny and showed repellent effects, impacting stored product pest interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Mycology
  • Entomology

Background:

  • Stored product pests like the grain beetle (Sitophilus zeamais) cause significant agricultural losses.
  • Fusarium verticillioides is a mold known to produce mycotoxins, including fumonisins.
  • Understanding interactions between entomopathogenic fungi and insect pests is crucial for integrated pest management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the entomopathogenic potential of Fusarium verticillioides against Sitophilus zeamais.
  • To determine the effects of fumonisin mycotoxins on the fitness and behavior of Sitophilus zeamais.
  • To explore the role of insect epicuticle in fungal interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluating the infectivity of Fusarium verticillioides on live Sitophilus zeamais.
  • Assessing the antifungal activity of Sitophilus zeamais epicuticle components.
  • Testing the impact of a fumonisin extract on insect fitness and progeny.

Main Results:

  • Fusarium verticillioides failed to penetrate the cuticle of Sitophilus zeamais.
  • Fumonisins did not negatively affect insect fitness but increased progeny.
  • Fumonisins exhibited repellent effects on Sitophilus zeamais.

Conclusions:

  • Fusarium verticillioides is not entomopathogenic to Sitophilus zeamais under tested conditions.
  • Fumonisins can influence insect reproduction and behavior, acting as a repellent.
  • This study provides novel insights into the complex interactions between entomopathogens and stored product pests.
Keywords:
Biological interactionFumonisinsFusarium verticillioidesIntegrated pest managementSitophilus zeamais

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