Effects of a combined infection with Paranosema locustae and Beauveria bassiana on Locusta migratoria and its gut microflora

This study sought to determine whether the simultaneous use ofP. locustae andBeauveria bassiana would be a more effective control strategy. Additionally, changes in the intestinal microbial communities of migratory locusts infected with the two pathogens were analyzed to investigate the roles of gut microbes in pathogen –host interactions. The mortality rate of locusts inoculated withB. bassiana andP. locustae simultaneously was not significantly higher than expected, but the mortality rates of locusts inoculated withB. bassiana 3, 6, and 9 d after inoculation withP. locustae were significantly higher than if their effects were additive, indicating synergism. A MiSeq analysis found thatWeissella was the most common bacterium, representing 41.48% and 51.62% of the total bacteria in the mid ‐ and hindguts, respectively, and the bacterial declines were greatest during dual infections withB. bassiana andP. locustae. The appropriately timed combined application ofP. locustae andB. bassiana was more effective against locusts than either treatment alone. Moreover, the combined inoculation of the two pathogens changed the gut microflora of locusts, indicating the potential relevancy of their synergistic effects on locust control.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Source: Insect Science - Category: Biology Authors: Tags: SPECIAL ISSUE ARTICLE Source Type: research