First record of Aspergillus nomiae as a broad-spectrum entomopathogenic fungus that provides resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests by colonization of plants

Abstract

IntroductionAspergillus nomiae is known as a pathogenic fungus that infects humans and plants but has never been reported as an entomophagous fungus (EPF) that can provide other functions as an endotype.MethodsA strain of EPF was isolated and identified from diseased larvae of Spodoptera litura in a soybean field and designated AnS1Gzl-1. Pathogenicity of the strain toward various insect pests was evaluated, especially the ability to colonize plants and induce resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests.ResultsThe isolated EPF strain AnS1Gzl-1 was identified as A. nomiae; it showed strong pathogenicity toward five insect pests belonging to Lepidoptera and Hemiptera. Furthermore, the strain inhibited the growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vitro, a causal agent of soil-borne plant disease. It colonized plants as an endophyte via root irrigation with a high colonization rate of 90%, thereby inducing plant resistance against phytopathogen infection, and disrupting the feeding selectivity of S. litura larvae.DiscussionThis is the first record of a natural infection of A. nomiae on insects. A. nomiae has the potential to be used as a dual biocontrol EPF because of its ability to not only kill a broad spectrum of insect pests directly but also induce resistance against phytopathogens via plant colonization.

Assessment of the Entomopathogenic Potential of Fungal and Bacterial Isolates from Fall Armyworm Cadavers Against Spodoptera frugiperda Caterpillars and the Adult Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis

“…According to those authors, first-instar larvae sprayed with A. nomiae spore suspension started to die 12 h after inoculation. Recently, Zhang et al ( 2024 ) isolated a strain of A. nomiae from naturally infected S. litura caterpillars, and the strain showed strong pathogenicity for five insect pests belonging to Lepidoptera and Hemiptera, in addition to inhibiting the growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vitro. These authors suggest the use of A. nomiae for dual biocontrol: insect pests and phytopathogenic fungi.…”

Plant–Entomopathogenic Fungi Interaction: Recent Progress and Future Prospects on Endophytism-Mediated Growth Promotion and Biocontrol

“…Aspergillus nomiae Kurtzman, B.W. Horn and Hesselt (Eurotiales: Aspergillaceae), typically known as a pathogenic fungus affecting both humans and plants, has recently revealed potential beyond its conventional role [148]. An entomophagous fungus (EPF) strain, designated AnS1Gzl-1, was isolated and examined from Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae found in a soybean field.…”