Colonization and destruction of ants of the genus Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in vitro by the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia in the southeast region of Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the colonization and destruction of ants of the genus sp. by the ovicidal fungus (VC4 isolate), in the southeast region of Brazil. The insects used in the experiment were worker ants of the genus sp., collected periodically in the environment and immediately transported to the laboratory in test tubes. Then, VC4 growth was promoted in 2% chitin agar medium (2% WQ) to obtain a fungal solution containing conidia and/or chlamydospores. Two experimental groups were formed. Treated group consisted of Petri dishes containing 2% agar-water culture medium (2% WA) with nine live insects and 20 µL of fungal solution at the concentration of 15,000 conidia/chlamydospores. Control group consisted of Petri dishes containing 2% WA culture medium and nine live insects. The dishes in the treated and control groups were incubated in BOD at 25 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 10% relative humidity for 4 days. After 4 days, it was observed that the VC4 had grown, colonized, and caused the destruction of the ants. The fungus was efficient at colonizing and destroying the urban ants collected on an experimental basis. Thus, it could open up new ways to reduce the use of chemical compounds in the future, decreasing health and environmental problems.

Interaction of the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia on eggs of Spartocera dentiventris (Berg) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) under laboratory conditions

“…Pochonia chlamydosporia is a nematophagous fungus that can alternatively parasitize eggs, belonging to the Clavicipitaceae family (Ascomycota: Pezizomycotina: Sordariomycetes: Hypocreales) (Mendoza de Gives and . Recent studies have demonstrated the possible entomopathogenic activity of this fungal species, due to its production of extracellular enzymes of the chitinase type and, with regard to this new aspects, its possible uses have been studied (Braga et al, 2013;Senna et al, 2018). However, there are no reports in the literature that mention the interaction of P. chlamydosporia on the hemiptera S. dentiventris, which can be an important step in the control of this insect pest and contribute directly to reducing the abuse of pesticides in tobacco culture.…”

“…In the present work, a "possible" entomopathogenic activity of P. chlamydosporia on S. dendiventris eggs was observed. However, it is important to emphasize that cultivation in a rich medium on chitin, provided the conditions for chitinases production (Esteves et al, 2009;Braga et al, 2013;Soares et al, 2015;Senna et al, 2018). However, there is a scarcity of reports regarding the possible entomopathogenic activity of nematophagous fungi.…”