Abstract
In search for ecofriendly alternatives to chemical insecticides the present study was conducted to assess the insecticidal potential of an endophytic fungus Schizophyllum commune and its mechanism of toxicity by studying genotoxic and cytotoxic effects as well as repair potential using Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) as a model. Different endophytic fungi were isolated and tested for their insecticidal potential against S. litura. Among the tested endophytic fungi maximum mortality against S. litura was exhibited by S. commune isolated from Aloe vera. Extended development, reduced adult emergence was observed in larvae fed on diet supplemented with fungal extract. In addition to it the fungus also has propensity to increase oxidative stress which leads to significantly higher DNA damage. The significantly lower frequency of living haemocytes and increased frequency of apoptotic and necrotic cells was also observed in larvae treated with fungal extract. The extent of recovery of damage caused by fungus was found to be very low indicating long term effect of treatment. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various phenolics, terpenoids and protein in fungal extract. Biosafety analysis indicated the non toxic nature of extract. This is the first report showing the insecticidal potential of S. commune and the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects associated with it.
Highlights
Excessive use of insecticides over the years has resulted in the development of insecticide resistant populations of insects
The level of DNA damage after treatment with fungal metabolites would be related to the ability of a pest to survive and reproduce
The effect of radiations on the genetic material for the purpose of pest management has been evaluated on Plodia interpunctella (Hubner)[14], Curculio sikkimensis (Heller)[15], Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus)[16], Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess)[17], and Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)[18] but no studies are available which show the impact of microbial bio-pesticides up to the DNA level
Summary
Excessive use of insecticides over the years has resulted in the development of insecticide resistant populations of insects. Adverse effects of fungal endophytes on biological parameters of insects have been reported in a number of studies[5,6]. Chemical control is the main strategy being adopted by the farmers which has resulted in development of resistant populations of insects to a large number of insecticides[22]. Keeping this in view the present investigation has been undertaken to isolate and screen endophytic fungi for their insecticidal potential against S. litura.
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