AUTHOR=Sánchez-Gómez Tamara , Harte Steven J. , Zamora Paula , Bareyre Matéo , Díez Julio Javier , Herrero Baudilio , Niño-Sánchez Jonathan , Martín-García Jorge 

TITLE=Nematicidal effect of Beauveria species and the mycotoxin beauvericin against pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Forests and Global Change

VOLUME=6

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/forests-and-global-change/articles/10.3389/ffgc.2023.1229456

DOI=10.3389/ffgc.2023.1229456

ISSN=2624-893X

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Introduction and main objective</title><p><italic>Bursaphelenchus xylophilus</italic>, commonly known as pine wood nematode (PWN), is considered one of the greatest threats to European and Asian pines. Regarding its management, most efforts have been directed toward control measures for the major vector (<italic>Monochamus</italic> spp.) and screening for genetic resistance in its hosts. However, an integrated pest management strategy which also implements pinewood nematode control is currently lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nematicidal effect of two <italic>Beauveria</italic> species, a genus well known for its entomopathogenic activity.</p></sec><sec><title>Summary methodology</title><p>For this purpose, <italic>in vitro</italic> antagonism tests of fungi (<italic>Beauveria bassiana</italic> and <italic>B. pseudobassiana</italic>) and the mycotoxin beauvericin (C<sub>45</sub>H<sub>57</sub>N<sub>3</sub>O<sub>9</sub>) on <italic>B. xylophilus</italic> populations were conducted. Finally, the production of beauvericin in <italic>B. bassiana</italic> and <italic>B. pseudobassiana</italic> strains was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS).</p></sec><sec><title>Results and discussion</title><p>Both the <italic>B. bassiana</italic> and <italic>B. pseudobassiana</italic> fungal species and the mycotoxin beauvericin showed a clear nematicidal effect on <italic>B. xylophilus</italic> populations, substantially reducing their survival rate and even attaining 100% mortality in one case. HPLC-MS analysis confirmed and quantified the production of beauvericin by <italic>B. bassiana</italic> and demonstrated for the first-time beauvericin production in <italic>B. pseudobassiana</italic>.</p></sec><sec><title>Final conclusion</title><p>These findings highlight the potential of <italic>Beauveria</italic> species and the mycotoxin beauvericin to be implemented in an integrated pest management strategy to control both nematode and vector.</p></sec>