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Zeolite substrate characterization for Metarhizium robertsii inoculation
Ángel Guillén-Cervantes1, Francisco Hernández-Rosas2, Blas Schettino-Salomón2
1Physics Department, CINVESTAV-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, Ciudad de México CP 07360, Mexico.
Abstract:
For this study, zeolite powder served as a substrate for inoculating Metarhizium robertsii to demonstrate the biocompatibility between the entomopathogenic fungus and the zeolite mineral, as the initial step in developing a biological control agent. Our fungal strains were isolated from corpses of spittlebugs (Aeneolamia albofasciata, Hemiptera: Cercopidae) and were identified as M. robertsii based on sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer regions ITS1 and ITS2. Zeolite was characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). XRD and EDS results indicate that zeolite consists of a mixture of Heulandite and Clinoptilolite. EDS analysis shows that oxygen, silicon, and aluminum are the primary chemical components of the zeolite powder, with calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, and potassium present in smaller amounts. After five days of inoculation, SEM images reveal M. robertsii conidia on the porous surface of zeolite particles, along with hyphal formation. These findings suggest the potential for maintaining M. robertsii spores and mycelium alive within a zeolite substrate under laboratory conditions.
Insights
Zeolite powder supports the growth of Metarhizium robertsii, an entomopathogenic fungus. This demonstrates zeolite
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Mineralogy
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Entomopathogenic fungi are crucial for biological control.
- Metarhizium robertsii is a significant fungal species for pest management.
- Zeolites are porous minerals with potential applications in agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the biocompatibility of zeolite as a substrate for Metarhizium robertsii.
- To lay the groundwork for developing a novel biological control agent.
Main Methods:
- Fungal strains of Metarhizium robertsii were isolated and identified using ITS sequencing.
- Zeolite characterization via X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS).
- Inoculation of zeolite with M. robertsii and subsequent SEM analysis after five days.
Main Results:
- Zeolite composition confirmed as a Heulandite and Clinoptilolite mixture, rich in oxygen, silicon, and aluminum.
- SEM imaging showed Metarhizium robertsii conidia and hyphal formation on zeolite particles.
- Evidence of fungal survival and growth on the zeolite substrate under laboratory conditions.
Conclusions:
- Zeolite exhibits biocompatibility with Metarhizium robertsii.
- Zeolite shows potential as a viable substrate for maintaining entomopathogenic fungi.
- This study supports the development of zeolite-based biological control agents.
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