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Effects of Trichoderma viride chitinases on the peritrophic matrix of Lepidoptera
Author(s) -
Berini Francesca,
Caccia Silvia,
Franzetti Eleonora,
Congiu Terenzio,
Marinelli Flavia,
Casartelli Morena,
Tettamanti Gianluca
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.4078
Subject(s) - midgut , biology , trichoderma viride , chitinase , lepidoptera genitalia , chitin , insect , bombyx mori , microbiology and biotechnology , metarhizium anisopliae , biological pest control , botany , enzyme , biochemistry , larva , chitosan , gene
BACKGROUND The peritrophic matrix ( PM ) is formed by a network of chitin fibrils associated with proteins, glycoproteins and proteoglycans that lines the insect midgut. It is a physical barrier involved in digestion processes, and protects the midgut epithelium from food abrasion, pathogen infections and toxic materials. Given its fundamental role in insect physiology, the PM represents an excellent target for pest control strategies. Although a number of viral, bacterial and insect chitinolytic enzymes affecting PM integrity have already been tested, exploitation of fungal chitinases has been almost neglected. Fungal chitinases, already in use as fungal phytopathogen biocontrol agents, are known to attack the insect cuticle, but their action on the insect gut needs to be better investigated. RESULTS In the present paper, we performed a biochemical characterisation of a commercial mixture of chitinolytic enzymes derived from Trichoderma viride and analysed its in vitro and in vivo effects on the PM of the silkworm Bombyx mori , a model system among Lepidoptera. We found that these enzymes have significant in vitro effects on the structure and permeability of the PM of this insect. A bioassay supported these results and showed that the oral administration of the mixture causes PM alterations, leading to adverse consequences on larval growth and development, negatively affecting pupal weight and even inducing mortality. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an integrated experimental approach to evaluate the effects of fungal chitinases on Lepidoptera. The encouraging results obtained herein make us confident about the possible use of fungal chitinases to control lepidopteran pests. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry