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Endobacteria Have a Negative Effect on the Virulence of Metarhizium

Aida Gabriela Mora-Acebedo1, Isay Ruíz Aguilar1, Azul Martínez-Vázquez1

  • 1Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Guanajuato 36050, Estado de Guanajuato, Mexico.

Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Endobacteria (EB) within Metarhizium fungi negatively impact their ability to infect insects. This study investigated Bacillus subtilis EB in Metarhizium, finding reduced virulence against Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Microbial Ecology
  • Insect Pathology

Background:

  • Fungi form complex associations with microorganisms, including endobacteria (EB) within their hyphae.
  • Endobacteria can significantly alter fungal host physiology and interactions.
  • The EB associated with soil fungi like Metarhizium are understudied, particularly their roles in fungal life cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biological roles of endobacteria in Metarhizium fungi.
  • To identify and characterize EB associated with Metarhizium strains from soil and insect hosts.
  • To determine the impact of identified EB on Metarhizium physiology and entomopathogenic capacity.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of Metarhizium strains from soil rhizosphere and Phyllophaga spp.
  • Identification of endobacteria within Metarhizium isolates.
  • Experimental assessment of Bacillus subtilis EB influence on Metarhizium physiology.
  • Evaluation of Metarhizium virulence against Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor larvae.

Main Results:

  • Bacillus subtilis was identified as an endobacterium in Metarhizium.
  • The presence of EB negatively impacted the entomopathogenic capacity of Metarhizium.
  • Virulence against Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor was reduced in EB-colonized Metarhizium.

Conclusions:

  • Endobacteria, specifically Bacillus subtilis, can attenuate the insect-killing ability of Metarhizium fungi.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind EB-mediated changes in fungal virulence.
  • The findings highlight the complex interactions within fungal microbiomes and their implications for biocontrol strategies.
Keywords:
Bacillus subtilisMetarhiziumbiological pest controlendobacteriummycopesticides

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