Strain X1 Research Articles

Efficient and harmless removal of insecticide diazinon via the stepwise combination of biodegradation and photodegradation

Diazinon, an organophosphorus insecticide, is predominantly removed through photodegradation and biodegradation in the environment. However, photodegradation can generate diazoxon, a highly toxic oxidation byproduct, while biodegradation is hard to complete mineralize diazinon, showing limitations in both methods. In this study, we provided an efficient strategy for the complete and harmless removal of diazinon by synergistically employing biodegradation and photodegradation. The diazinon-degrading strain X1 was capable of completely degrading 200 μM of diazinon into 2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinol (IMP) within 6 h without producing the highly toxic diazoxon. IMP was the only intermediate metabolite in biodegradation process, which cannot be further degraded by strain X1. Through RT-qPCR and prokaryotic expression analyses, the hydrolase OpdB was pinpointed as the key enzyme for diazinon degradation in strain X1. Photodegradation was further used to degrade IMP and a pyridazine ring-opening product of IMP was identified via high resolution mass spectrometry. The acute toxicity of this product to aquatic organisms were 123 times and 6630 times lower than that of diazinon and IMP, respectively. The stepwise application of biodegradation and photodegradation was proved to be a successful approach for the remediation of diazinon and its metabolite IMP. This integrated method ensures the harmless and complete elimination of diazinon and IMP within only 6 h. The research provides a theoretical basis for the efficient and harmless remediation of organophosphorus insecticide residuals in the environment.

Dual metabolic pathways co-determine the efficient aerobic biodegradation of phenol in Cupriavidus nantongensis X1

Phenol, as an important chemical raw material, often exists in wastewater from chemical plants and pollutes soil and groundwater. Aerobic biodegradation is a promising method for remediation of phenolic wastewater. In this study, degradation characteristics and mechanisms of phenol in Cupriavidus nantongensis X1 were explored. Strain X1 could completely degrade 1.5 mM phenol within 32 h and use it as the sole carbon source for growth. The optimal degradation temperature and pH for phenol by strain X1 were 30 °C and 7.0. The detection of 3-oxoadipate and 4-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoate indicated that dual metabolic pathways coexist in strain X1 for phenol degradation, ortho- and meta-pathway. Genome and transcriptome sequencing revealed the whole gene clusters for phenol biomineralization, in which C12O and C23O were key enzymes in two metabolic pathways. The ribosome proteins were also involved in the regulation of phenol degradation. Meanwhile, the degradation activities of enzyme C23O was 188-fold higher than that of C12O in vitro, which indicated that the meta-pathway was more efficient than ortho-pathway for catechol degradation in strain X1. This study provides an efficient strain resource for phenol degradation, and the discovery of dual metabolic pathways provides new insight into the aerobic biological metabolism and bioremediation of phenol.

Antagonistic Activity of Pseudomonas fluorescens Strain X1 Against Different Fusaria and it’s In Vivo Analysis Against Fusarium udum Infected Pigeon Pea

A plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial strain, Pseudomonas fluorescens X1 isolated from the garden soil was employed for antagonistic activity against different species of fusaria. Strain X1 inhibited four different fusaria (Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium semitectum and Fusarium udum) in dual culture plate assay, and in broth culture using cell-free culture filtrate. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis revealed deformation and shrinkage in mycelia of fusaria after treatment with strain X1. Confocal micrographs showed degeneration of nuclei inside the cells of fusaria for the same effect. Strain X1 exhibited maximum antifungal activity, when it was grown in nutrient broth yeast (NBY) medium amended with 1mM NH4MoO4 and 1% glucose. The antifungal extracts eluted from thin-layer chromatography (TLC) followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed two fractions active against different fusaria. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis of the two fractions 1 and 2 corresponded to molecular ions at m/z 177.16 and m/z 177.09, respectively. Infra-red (IR) analysis showed five similar absorption bands in both the fractions analysed. In vivo analysis of strain X1 alone and along with fungicide inhibited the growth of F. udum and improved the biomass and growth of pigeon pea. These results indicated that strain X1 could be possibly used as a biocontrol agent to inhibit the growth of soil-borne diseases of different fusaria including F. udum that causes wilting in pigeon pea.

Isolation of Lactococcus sp. X1 from Termite Gut, and Its Application in Lactic Acid Production

The production of lactic acid (LA) from lignocellulosic biomass is an important route for the exploitation of renewable resources; nevertheless, effective LA production from this feedstock is challenged by several limitations, such as pentose and oligosaccharide utilization. In this study, a new strain, Lactococcus sp. X1, which is capable of fermenting glucose, xylose, and several disaccharides to produce L-lactic acid, was isolated from the gut of a wood-feeding termite, Coptotermes formosanus. Compared to conventional lactic acid bacteria, Lactococcus sp. X1 requires less complex nitrogen sources, which might in turn reduce the cost of LA production. In addition, Lactococcus sp. X1 was able to completely ferment 50 g/L of glucose within 3 days, giving a high LA yield of 99.9%, and its LA yield from 50 g/L of pretreated corncob reached up to 0.34 g/g substrates in the presence of a commercial cellulase. Strain X1 was also capable of excreting two kinds of nutritional factors, namely biotin and vitamin C, indicating its crucial role in the nourishment of the termite. In conclusion, Lactococcus sp. X1 is a new lactic acid bacterium, which may hold promise for application in cost-effective LA production as well as in the field of food additives.

Self-Aggregation and Denitrifying Strains Accelerate Granulation and Enhance Denitrification

A long start-up period is one of the main factors limiting the practical application of aerobic granular sludge (AGS). Bioaugmentation could be a good strategy to accelerate aerobic granulation. In this research, four denitrifying strains were isolated from mature AGS. Mycobacterium senegalense X3-1 exhibited the strongest self-aggregation ability and good denitrification ability. Ensifer adhaerens X1 showed the strongest denitrification ability but poor self-aggregation ability. Additionally, strain X3-1 demonstrated the highest extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) contents accompanied by relatively high N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) concentrations, which could illustrate its predominant aggregation ability—AHLs produced by bacteria regulate EPS secretion to accelerate cell aggregation. Strain X3-1 and X1 were chosen as inoculated bacterium to verify the effects of bioaugmentation on AGS granulation and denitrification. Granulation was achieved in the sequential batch reactors (SBRs) added strain X3-1 10 days earlier than the control group. The particle morphology and TIN removal rate of X3-1 were both superior to the latter. The introduction of strains reduced the richness and diversity of the microbial community, but the key functional bacteria, Candidatus_Competibacter, proliferates in the SBR inoculated with X3-1. Conclusively, it is suggested Mycobacterium senegalense X3-1 could be a prospective strain for enhancing AGS formation and denitrification.

Comparative genomics reveals response of Rhodococcus pyridinivorans B403 to phenol after evolution.

Rhodococcus pyridinivorans B403 is a promising bacterium for degrading phenolic pollutants. In the application, the high-concentration substrate has a significant inhibitory effect on cell growth and phenol degradation, which makes adaptive evolution study of bacteria an important guarantee for further application. The present work found evolved R. pyridinivorans (X1 and X2) had enhanced tolerance to phenolic pollutants as compared to the ancestor strain: the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of phenol, m-cresol, and catechol increased from 1.2, 0.7, 0.8g/L to 1.8, 1.0, 1.2g/L of strain X1, and to 2.4, 1.2, 1.4g/L of strain X2, respectively. Furthermore, compared to B403, X1, and X2 accumulated more biomass in 500-mg/L cresol medium and degraded phenols more efficiently. Correspondingly, genome sequencing revealed that the mutation sites in genes were annotated as encoding phosphotransferase, MFS transporter, AcrR regulator, and GlpD regulator in the adapted strains, which were closely associated with improved phenol tolerance and degradation. The conclusions provided theoretical basis for the phenol tolerance and degradation, which could promote construction of engineering bacteria for practical application. KEY POINTS: • Evolved strains were more resistant to phenols • Evolved strains degraded phenols more quickly • Genome sequencing elucidated mechanisms of enhanced phenol tolerance and degradation.

Neopestalotiopsis zimbabwana Isolated from Xylaria Stromata

Neopestalotiopsis is one of pestalotioid fungi. Neopestalotiopsis has versicolourous in the third cell (median cell). This genus is identified as pathogenic and endophytic fungi in the plant. Neopestalotiopsis strain X1 was isolated from Xylaria stromata assumed as endophytic fungi. The surface sterilization was conducted, then isolated into PDA (1/2 receipt of potato dextrose). The morphology was observed in a fresh PDA medium. Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified for the Large Subunit region. A phylogenetic tree was built using RAxML Black Box. The morphology showed that the five cells in a conidium were an appearance with the black color of the septate in the third cell (median cell). The appendage on the basal cell was only a single tubular appendage. The appendage on the apical was two until three tubular appendages. The phylogenetic tree showed that Neopestalotiopsis strain X1 was Neopestalotiopsis zimbabwana. The sequence was deposited into GenBank as MW422813. This study was the first report for Neopestalotiopsis species isolated from micro-mushroom (Xylaria stromata).

Expression of the Xylanase Gene from Paenibacillus brasilensis X1 in Pichia pastoris and Characteristics of the Recombinant Enzyme

The heterologous expression, isolation, and characterization of a novel xylanase from Paenibacillus brasilensis are described. The xyl1 gene from the Paenibacillus brasilensis strain X1 VKPM B-13092, which consists of 639 nucleotides, encodes a secreted endo-1,4-β-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) containing 184 amino acids and 28 residues of the putative signal peptide in the N-terminal region. The nucleotide sequence of the xyl1 gene and the amino acid sequence of the mature Xyll protein have the greatest homology with the Bacillus subtilis endo-1,4-β-xylanase sequences (78 and 83%, respectively). A gene fragment encoding the mature protein was expressed in Pichia pastoris. The purified recombinant Xyl1 enzyme was able to use birch xylan and arabinoxylan as substrates. With birch xylan, the optimal pH for the enzymatic reaction was 6.0, the optimal temperature was 40–50°C, and Km and Vmax, were equal to 1.1288 mg/mL and 5124.3 μmol/(min mg), respectively. The recombinant Xyl1 protein showed high pH and thermal stability, and the resistance to digestive enzymes and xylanase protein inhibitors from cereals. It was also shown that Mn2+ and Со2+ ions stimulate enzyme activity.

Detection of Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens C1 Xylose Metabolism Related Enzyme

Lignocellulose resources and their hydrolyzate contain a large amount of mixed carbon sources such as glucose and xylose, but Bacillus is less effective in utilizing xylose. In most bacillus, xylose is first converted to xylulose by xylose isomerase (XI) and subsequently catalyzed by xylulokinase (XK) to form 5-phosphoxylulose to enter the pentose phosphate pathway. In this paper, a self-screening bacillus amyloliquefaciensC1 was studied and found that the bacteria can make good use of xylose as a carbon source for growth and metabolism. Using bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 as a control to study in depth, two strains of bacteria were cultured in M9 containing 10g/L xylose, and when the culture time reached 44h, the strain C1 had almost completely consumed 10g/L of xylose, while the strain FZB42 Only consumed 2g/L of xylose. To understand the efficient use of xylose by Cl bacteria, we selected two of the most important enzymes in xylose metabolism, xylose isomerase and xylulokinase. The data showed that strain X1 and XKenzyme of strain C1 were higher than that of strain FZB42. Among them, C1 strain XI and XKenzyme could reach 0.200U/mg and 0.516U/mg respectively, which were 1.6 times and 2.4 times that of FZB42 respectively. The results showed that XI, XK high enzyme is one of the reasons that bacillus amyloliquefaciens C1 can effectively utilize xylose.

Sphingomonas qilianensis sp. nov., Isolated from Surface Soil in the Permafrost Region of Qilian Mountains, China.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated X1(T), was isolated from the permafrost region of Qilian Mountains in northwest of China. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain X1(T) was a member of the genus Sphingomonas and shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Sphingomonas oligophenolica JCM 12082(T) (96.9%), followed by Sphingomonas glacialis CGMCC 1.8957(T) (96.7%) and Sphingomonas alpina DSM 22537(T) (96.4%). Strain X1(T) was able to grow at 15-30 °C, pH 6.0-10.0 and with 0-0.3% NaCl (w/v). The DNA G+C content of the isolate was 64.8 mol%. Strain X1(T)-contained Q-10 as the dominant ubiquinone and C(18:1)ω7c, C(16:1)ω7c, C(16:0) and C(14:0) 2-OH as the dominant fatty acids. The polar lipid profile of strain XI(T)-contained sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified phospholipid. Due to the phenotypic and genetic distinctiveness and other characteristic studied in this article, we consider X1(T) as a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas and propose to name it Sphingomonas qilianensis sp. nov. The type strain is X1(T) (=CGMCC 1.15349(T) = KCTC 42862(T)).

THE INFLUENCE OF MELANIN ON THE GASTRIC MUCOSA AND HYPOTHALAMIC-PITUITARY-ADRENOCORTICAL AXIS UNDER ACUTE STRESS CONDITIONS

We studied the influence of melanin from yeast-like fungi Nadsoniella nigra strain X1 on the changes of the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in blood serum of rats, adrenal glands weight ratio and lesions of the gastric mucosa (GM) caused by neuromuscular tension by Selye. Melanin administration restored functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that was evident by an increase of ACTH concentration by 42% and a decrease of cortisol concentration by 19% compared to the rats injected with water (group 2). In rats treated with melanin, the adrenal glands weight ratio, didn't differ from intact control group of the rats. Melanin decreased ulcers area by 64% and reduced the content of free hydroxyproline by 29%, the free fucose by 16% and the free hexuronic acids by 24% in the GM compared to the group 2 of the rats. It is established that the mechanism of melanin stress-protective properties are based on its regulation of the glucocorticoids secretion and prevention of GM collagen and extracellular matrix substances depolymerization. Melanin possesses gastroprotective properties and is a perspective agent for preventing and treatment of consequences of the stress influence on the organism.

Functional Characterization of Corynebacterium alkanolyticum β-Xylosidase and Xyloside ABC Transporter in Corynebacterium glutamicum.

The Corynebacterium alkanolyticum xylEFGD gene cluster comprises the xylD gene that encodes an intracellular β-xylosidase next to the xylEFG operon encoding a substrate-binding protein and two membrane permease proteins of a xyloside ABC transporter. Cloning of the cluster revealed a recombinant β-xylosidase of moderately high activity (turnover for p-nitrophenyl-β-d-xylopyranoside of 111 ± 4 s(-1)), weak α-l-arabinofuranosidase activity (turnover for p-nitrophenyl-α-l-arabinofuranoside of 5 ± 1 s(-1)), and high tolerance to product inhibition (Ki for xylose of 67.6 ± 2.6 mM). Heterologous expression of the entire cluster under the control of the strong constitutive tac promoter in the Corynebacterium glutamicum xylose-fermenting strain X1 enabled the resultant strain X1EFGD to rapidly utilize not only xylooligosaccharides but also arabino-xylooligosaccharides. The ability to utilize arabino-xylooligosaccharides depended on cgR_2369, a gene encoding a multitask ATP-binding protein. Heterologous expression of the contiguous xylD gene in strain X1 led to strain X1D with 10-fold greater β-xylosidase activity than strain X1EFGD, albeit with a total loss of arabino-xylooligosaccharide utilization ability and only half the ability to utilize xylooligosaccharides. The findings suggest some inherent ability of C. glutamicum to take up xylooligosaccharides, an ability that is enhanced by in the presence of a functional xylEFG-encoded xyloside ABC transporter. The finding that xylEFG imparts nonnative ability to take up arabino-xylooligosaccharides should be useful in constructing industrial strains with efficient fermentation of arabinoxylan, a major component of lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates.

Complete genome sequence and methylome analysis of bacillus strain x1.

Bacillus strain X1 is the source strain for the restriction enzyme BstXI. Its complete sequence and full methylome was determined using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing.

Isolation and characterization of a highly efficient chlorpyrifos degrading strain of Cupriavidus taiwanensis from sludge.

In this study, a highly effective chlorpyrifos (CP)-degrading bacterium (termed strain X1) was isolated from the sludge of drain outlet of a chlorpyrifos manufacturer. Strain X1 was identified as Cupriavidus taiwanensis based upon the analysis of the 16S rDNA gene and biochemical characteristics, which is capable of transforming CP into 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP), and the resulting TCP was further metabolized when performed in an aqueous medium. Degradation experiments were carried out under different conditions at the range of pH (5.0∼9.0) and temperature (22∼42 °C), and the optimized pH and temperature were 7.0 and 32 °C respectively. Biotransformation of high concentration of CP was also determined; 400 mg l(À1) of CP was completely transformed within 36 h; approximately 95% of CP was removed within 48 h when concentration of CP was up to 500 mg l(À1) . A genomic library was successfully constructed to clone the gene encoding the CP hydrolase, and a positive transformant with clear hydrolytic zones was obtained and analyzed. The insert gene sequence exhibited close relationship with 99% similar to opdB gene encoding parathion hydrolase, whereas, transformant failed in degrading the accumulated TCP. These results highlight the potential of this bacterium to be used in the cleanup of CP.

Molecular Cloning, Characterization, and Dye-Decolorizing Ability of a Temperature- and pH-Stable Laccase from Bacillus subtilis X1

Laccases from fungal origin are typically unstable at high temperatures and alkaline conditions. This characteristic limits their practical applications. In this study, a new bacterial strain exhibiting laccase activity was isolated from raw fennel honey samples and identified as Bacillus subtilis X1. The CotA-laccase gene was cloned from strain X1 and efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli in a biologically active form. The purified recombinant laccase demonstrated an extensive pH range for catalyzing substrates and high stability toward alkaline pH and high temperatures. No loss of laccase activity was observed at pH 9.0 after 10 days of incubation, and approximately 21 % of the initial activity was detected after 10 h at 80 °C. Two anthraquinonic dyes (reactive blue 4 and reactive yellow brown) and two azo dyes (reactive red 11 and reactive brilliant orange) could be partially decolorized by purified laccase in the absence of a mediator. The decolorization process was efficiently promoted when methylsyringate was present, with more than 90 % of color removal occurring in 3 h at pH 7.0 or 9.0. These unusual properties indicated a high potential of the novel CotA-laccase for industrial applications.

Characterization of a NewProvidenciasp. Strain X1 Producing Multiple Xylanases on Wheat Bran

Providencia sp. strain X1 showing the highest xylanase activity among six bacterial isolates was isolated from saw-dust decomposing site. Strain X1 produced cellulase-free extracellular xylanase, which was higher in wheat bran medium than in xylan medium, when cultivated at pH 8.0 and 35°C. Zymogram analysis of crude preparation of enzymes obtained while growing on wheat bran and birchwood xylan revealed the presence of seven and two distinct xylanases with estimated molecular weight of 33; 35; 40; 48; 60; 75; and 95 kDa and 33 and 44 kDa, respectively. The crude xylanases were produced on wheat bran medium and showed optimum activity at pH 9.0 and 60°C. The thermotolerance studies showed activity retention of 100% and 85% at 40°C and 60°C after 30 min preincubation at pH 9.0. It was tolerant to lignin, ferulic acid, syringic acid, and guaiacol and retained 90% activity after ethanol treatment. The enzyme preparation was also tolerant to methanol and acetone and showed good activity retention in the presence of metal ions such as Fe2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, and Ca2+. The crude enzyme preparation was classified as endoxylanase based on the product pattern of xylan hydrolysis. Pretreatment of kraft pulp with crude xylanases for 3 h at 60°C led to a decrease in kappa number by 28.5%. The properties of present xylanases make them potentially useful for industrial applications.

Fast Degradation of Chlorpyrifos in Soil by Strain <i>Cupriavidus taiwanensis</i> X1 Labeled with LuxAB

For researching ecological behaviors of Cupriavidus taiwanensis X1 which has strong hydrolysis activity on chlorpyrifos(CP), reporter gene luxAB was successfully introduced into cells by electroporation. The labeled strain X1-lux with genetic stability and fluorescence was obtained. Both of strain X1 and X1-lux could completely degrade 200 mg/l CP within 12h in minimal salt medium, and experimental results showed that introduction of luxAB did not affect strain X1 growth and degradation on CP. The cells of X1-lux and X1 were inoculated into soil with 500 mg/l CP, the cell concentration and CP residual was detected, and data revealed that strain X1 could absolutely removed CP in 12d and survive in soil. Strain X1 is a potential excellent choice for bioremediation of organophosphorus polluted environments.

Field efficacy against the grape root borer Vitacea polistiformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) and persistence of Heterorhabditis zealandica and H. bacteriophora (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae) in vineyards

Field efficacy and persistence of Heterorhabditis zealandica strain X1 and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora strain GPS11 applied at different times for the control of the grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis were evaluated from 2001 to 2003 in two vineyards in Ohio and one in Georgia and from 2005 to 2007 in two vineyards in Ohio. Pheromone trapping and pupal case surveys were used to confirm the presence of borers in the vineyards. Nematode applications were targeted at the larval stages of the grape root borer. Percent control based on the number of emerging adults in Ohio ranged from 55% to 92% and in Georgia from 55% to 78%. Overall no significant differences were found in the numbers or timings of nematode application indicating effective control of all GRB instars and a broad window of opportunity for the application of nematodes. The ability of H. zealandica to persist in the soil profile for a period of 1 year was minimal in Ohio and none in Georgia. In contrast, H. bacteriophora persistence in Ohio was positive for all treatments up to 1 year post-treatment and in one case up to 21 months post-treatment. These studies demonstrate the potential of H. bacteriophora strain GPS11 for long-term conservation approach in vineyards for the management of the grape root borer.

Differences in susceptibility of introduced and native white grub species to entomopathogenic nematodes from various geographic localities

Abstract Invasive, non-native, white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) cause significant damage in urban landscapes. Although the lack of natural enemies in their new home is often suggested as an important factor in the establishment and spread of invasive species, the potential of incumbent generalist parasites and pathogens to delay their establishment and spread has not been explored. We compared the susceptibility of the introduced Popillia japonica and the native Cyclocephala borealis to 16 species and strains of entomopathogenic nematodes isolated from within or outside the geographic ranges of the two scarabs. We found large variation in the virulence of the species/strains of nematodes with over 50% mortality of P. japonica produced by Heterorhabditis zealandica strain X1 and H. bacteriophora strain GPS11 and of C. borealis by H. zealandica and H. bacteriophora strains KMD10 and NC1. Heterorhabditis indica and H. marelatus caused less than 20% mortality of both scarab species. When considered as a group the nematode species and strains from within and outside the geographic ranges of either P. japonica or C. borealis did not differ in virulence towards either scarab species. Dose response studies with selected nematode species and strains against P. japonica and two additional non-native species Anomala (Exomala) orientalis and Rhizotrogus majalis and the native C. borealis indicated that R. majalis was the least susceptible and P. japonica and A. orientalis were as susceptible as the native C. borealis. Heterorhabditis zealandica was significantly more virulent than any other species or strain against P. japonica with a LC50 of 272 IJs/grub. The LC30 and LC50 values for H. zealandica were also the lowest among the four nematode species/strains tested against A. orientalis and C. borealis. The LC50 values for H. zealandica and H. megidis (UK strain) were significantly lower for the native C. borealis than the introduced A. orientalis. H. zealandica also showed the highest penetration efficiency and the lowest encapsulation in P. japonica and C. borealis grubs. Results suggest that the introduction of the exotic H. zealandica into the front-line states with respect to the movement of P. japonica and A. orientalis should be explored as a tactic to delay their establishment and spread. The results also suggest that the manipulation of the indigenous H. bacteriophora populations may help in delaying spread and mitigating losses caused by the invasive grub species.

Assessing the Potential of Entomopathogenic Nematodes to Control the Grape Root Borer Vitacea polistiformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) Through Laboratory and Greenhouse Bioassays

Seventeen entomopathogenic nematode species and strains were evaluated for virulence to the grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris) in laboratory and greenhouse bioassays. Heterohabditis bacteriophora strain GPS11 and H. zealandica strain X1 produced a larval mortality rate of over 85% of larvae embedded in the root cambium in laboratory bioassays. The nematode species H. marelata and H. bacteriophora strain Oswego produced mortality rates of over 75%. Of the Steinernema species tested, S. carpocapsae strain 'All' performed the best with a mortality rate of 69%. All other nematode species and strains tested, with the exception of S. bicornutum , produced some degree of larval mortality. In the greenhouse bioassays, 93% control was achieved with H. zealandica strain X1 applied at 4 2 109 infective juveniles (IJs) acre1 -1 (9.88 2 10 9 IJs ha -1 ). H. bacteriophora strain GPS11 successfully reproduced in grape root borer larvae. The numbers of IJs produced within infected larvae were related to larval size. The survival rate of neonate larvae on grape root sections was 61%, which thus provides a means to rear the neonate larvae for bioassays.