Effect of the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, and its secondary metabolite on detoxifying enzyme activities and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of the Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps (Heteroptera: Scutellaridae)

Abstract

The effects of Beauveria bassiana spores and its secondary metabolite on insect resistance to an organophosphorus insecticide, fenitrothione and secondary metabolite effects on acetylcholine esterase inhibition were investigated. Findings showed that fungal spores and its secondary metabolite increase total esterase and glutathione S-transferase activities in the hemolymph of infected and treated adults of Eurygaster integriceps. But the fungal secondary metabolite had an adverse effect on AChE activity of adults that decreased its activity level and isoforms of this enzyme in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Fungal infection decreased the susceptibility of E. integriceps adults to fenitrothione, in comparison with uninfected individuals. Possible involvement of detoxifying enzymes in the development of insect resistance to fenitrothione should be considered in combined usage of chemicals and microbial agents for integrated pest management programs.

Keywords:

• Eurygaster integriceps
• Beauveria bassiana
• glutathione S-transferase
• esterase
• organophosphorus insecticide

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a University of Tehran grant. The author would like to thank Dr V. Serebrov for his assistance.