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Improved mortality of the Formosan subterranean termite by fungi, when amended with cuticle-degrading enzymes or eicosanoid biosynthesis inhibitors

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Abstract

Formosan subterranean termites (FST) were exposed to strains of Beauveria pseudobassiana (Bpb) and Isaria fumosorosea (Ifr) to determine virulence of the fungi. Once lethality was determined, sublethal doses of Bpb were combined with enzymes capable of degrading the insect cuticle to measure the potential to enhance fungal infection. Bpb applied to FST in combination with proteinases and a chitinase caused increased mortality over the fungus alone. Mortality was enhanced when Ifr was applied to FST in combination with a chitinase isolated from Serratia marcesans. A lipase isolated from Pseudomonas cepacia, when combined with Ifr, also resulted in greater mortality than all control treatments. FST were also exposed to the eicosanoid biosynthesis inhibitors (EBIs) dexamethasone (DEX), ibuprofen (IBU), and ibuprofen sodium salt (IBUNA), in combination with Ifr. Combining Ifr with IBUNA caused significantly increased mortality on days 6, 7, and 9. Cuticle-degrading enzymes and EBIs may have potential to enhance the pathogenic effect of a fungal control agent against the Formosan subterranean termite.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Mark A. Jackson, Dr. Matthew R. Tarver, and Christopher B. Florane for providing materials; and Bridgette H. Duplantis and Angela R. Payne for technical assistance. 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 US Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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The authors affirm that there are no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Maureen S. Wright & Alan R. Lax

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  1. Maureen S. Wright
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  2. Alan R. Lax
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Correspondence to Maureen S. Wright.

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Wright, M.S., Lax, A.R. Improved mortality of the Formosan subterranean termite by fungi, when amended with cuticle-degrading enzymes or eicosanoid biosynthesis inhibitors. Folia Microbiol 61, 73–83 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12223-015-0412-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12223-015-0412-0

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