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Inhibition of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato in vitro by the bed bug defensive secretions (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-octenal

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Abstract

The two major aldehydes (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-octenal emitted as defensive secretions by bed bugs Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), inhibit the in vitro growth of an isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato (s.l.) (Metsch.) Sokorin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) (ARSEF 1548). These chemicals inhibit fungal growth by direct contact and via indirect exposure (“fumigation”). Fumigation with (E)-2-octenal for as little as 0.5 h was sufficient to inhibit all fungal growth. Bed bugs placed on filter paper treated with an isolate of M. anisopliae s.l. conidia in the absence of (E)-2-octenal exhibited 99 % mortality after one week. However, bed bugs placed on fungal-treated filter paper and exposed to (E)-2-octenal at 1 h experienced 10 % mortality. The inhibition of fungal growth by bed bug aldehydes is discussed in the context of other biotic and abiotic barriers to infection.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Barbara Thorne (University of Maryland, College Park, USA) for guidance and reviewing the manuscript. We also thank members of the Armed Forces Pest Management Board (Silver Spring MD, USA), and personnel at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda MD, USA) for their help in obtaining the blood products used to maintain insect colonies. This project was funded in part by the University of Maryland’s Department of Entomology’s Gahan Fellowship. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employee.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA

    Kevin R. Ulrich & Raymond J. St. Leger

  2. Invasive Insect Biocontrol & Behavior Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA

    Mark F. Feldlaufer

  3. Biometrical Consulting Service, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA

    Matthew Kramer

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  1. Kevin R. Ulrich
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  2. Mark F. Feldlaufer
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  4. Raymond J. St. Leger
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Correspondence to Kevin R. Ulrich.

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Handling Editor: Nicolai Meyling.

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Ulrich, K.R., Feldlaufer, M.F., Kramer, M. et al. Inhibition of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato in vitro by the bed bug defensive secretions (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-octenal. BioControl 60, 517–526 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-015-9667-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-015-9667-2

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