Toxicological and biochemical basis of synergism between the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium muscarium and the insecticide matrine against Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)

Abstract

The sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) was challenged with different combinations of matrine (insecticide) and Lecanicillium muscarium (entomopathogenic fungus). Our results revealed a synergistic relationship between matrine and L. muscarium on mortality and enzyme activities of B. tabaci. To illustrate the biochemical mechanisms involved in detoxification and immune responses of B. tabaci against both control agents, activities of different detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes were quantified. After combined application of matrine and L. muscarium, activities of carboxylestrease (CarE), glutathione-s-transferase (GSTs) and chitinase (CHI) decreased during the initial infection period. Acetylcholinestrase (AChE) activities increased during the entire experimental period, whereas those of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) decreased during the later infection period. The increased mortality and suppression of enzymatic response of B. tabaci following matrine and L. muscarium application suggests a strong synergistic effect between both agents. The strong synergistic effect is possibly related to the disturbance of acetylcholine balance and changes in AchE activities of the whitefly as both matrine and L. muscarium target insect acetylcholine (Ach) receptors which in turn effects AchE production. Therefore, our results have revealed the complex biochemical processes involved in the synergistic action of matrine and L. muscarium against B. tabaci.

Dual application of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi on immune and antioxidant enzymes of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L.

“…Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and esterase (EST) are the major enzymes involved in detoxifying penetrating xenobiotics in insects (Ali et al 2017). Obtained findings showed an increase in GSTs and ESTs activities during the initial 24 h and then GSTs decreased sharply later in the joint application and nematode infection, while the ESTs activity remained high.…”

Isaria fumosorosea‐based zero‐valent iron nanoparticles affect the growth and survival of sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)

“…Moreover, the harmful effects of these chemicals on the natural environment as well as impacts on non‐target organisms have promoted the need to replace chemical insecticides with environmentally secure, biodegradable and indigenous methods for pest management . Therefore, finding alternative pest control strategies such as entomopathogenic fungi or their application in combination with other natural chemicals is necessary in order to try and overcome these problems …”

Synthesis, characterization and in vitro biological evaluation of two matrine derivatives

“…In China, matrine is one of the most used derivatives in traditional Chinese medicines 13 and has been used to treat cancer as well as other diseases such as viral hepatitis, cardiac arrhythmia and skin inflammations, colpitis, and chronic cervicitis 14 . Therefore, considering the good pharmacological effects of matrine, it has a wonderful prospect to develop a practical strategy for the structure modification of matrine to synthesize more derivatives with better pharmacological activities 15 , which would provide a number of excellent candidate compounds for new drug exploration.…”