Molecular ecology of fungal entomopathogens: molecular genetic tools and their applications in population and fate studies

Abstract

The power of molecular genetic techniques to address ecological research questions has opened a distinct interdisciplinary research area collectively referred to as molecular ecology. Molecular ecology combines aspects of diverse research fields like population and evolutionary genetics, as well as biodiversity, conservation biology, behavioural ecology, or species-habitat interactions. Molecular techniques detect specific DNA sequence characteristics that are used as genetic markers to discriminate individuals or taxonomic groups, for instance in analyses of population and community structures, for elucidation of phylogenetic relationships, or for the characterization and monitoring of specific strains in the environment. Here, we summarize the PCR-based molecular techniques used in molecular ecological research on fungal entomopathogens and discuss novel techniques that may have relevance to the studies of entomopathogenic fungi in the future. We discuss the flow chart of the molecular ecology approaches and we highlight some of the critical steps involved. There are still many unresolved questions in the understanding of the ecology of fungal entomopathogens. These include population characteristics and relations of genotypes and habitats as well as hostpathogen interactions. Molecular tools can provide substantial support for ecological research and offer insight into this far inaccessible systems. Application of molecular ecology approaches will stimulate and accelerate new research in the field of entomophathogen ecology.

Principles from community and metapopulation ecology: application to fungal entomopathogens

“…For example, ecological approaches can be used to more fully understand the less direct ways in which fungal entomopathogens interact with both insect hosts and plants (Vega et al 2009). Moreover, molecular tools will aid in defining explicit delimitations of fungal entomopathogen populations regardless of whether these entities are termed clades or species (Enkerli and Widmer 2009). This knowledge will help us to better understand the interactions among fungal entomopathogens and their arthropod hosts and thereby improve predictions of the outcome of such interactions.…”

Influence of humidity on the infection of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), by Beauveria bassiana

“…In addition, because the infection process of fungi from penetration to multiplication in the host hemocoel will be related to the lethal time, knowledge of the multiplication of the fungus in the host will provide us with useful information about the expression of the insecticidal activity of the mycoinsecticide against thrips. Real-time quantitative PCR (RTQ-PCR) has been utilized as a molecular tool for the specific detection of entomopathogenic fungi (Enkerli and Widmer 2010). In this study, to gain a better understanding of the multiplication of B. bassiana in highor low-humidity conditions, we measured temporal changes in fungal DNAs for F. occidentalis using RTQ-PCR.…”

Deep space and hidden depths: understanding the evolution and ecology of fungal entomopathogens

“…Intricate interactions with arthropods, plants and other microorganisms are evident, but the full importance and complexity of these relationships is just becoming apparent. The advent of new molecular tools over the last few decades has dramatically improved the resolution of fungal systematics and there have been huge advances in this field (Blackwell et al 2006;Hibbett et al 2007;Humber 2008;Blackwell 2009;Enkerli and Widmer 2009). The acquisition of a phylogeny enables us to examine evolutionary relationships and better understand and predict ecological interactions (Blackwell 2009).…”

“…The acquisition of a phylogeny enables us to examine evolutionary relationships and better understand and predict ecological interactions (Blackwell 2009). Molecular tools will provide methods for examining the host-pathogen dynamics in complex environments (Enkerli and Widmer 2009). Enkerli and Widmer (2009) comprehensively review the tools available within the context of population ecology studies.…”

“…Molecular tools will provide methods for examining the host-pathogen dynamics in complex environments (Enkerli and Widmer 2009). Enkerli and Widmer (2009) comprehensively review the tools available within the context of population ecology studies. Meyling and Hajek (2009) provide an excellent background to ecological interactions relevant to fungal entomopathogens from a community ecology perspective.…”