Microcycle conidiation and the conidial properties in the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum on agar medium |
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| Authors: | Shizhu Zhang Guoxiong Peng |
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| Institution: | Genetic Engineering Research Center, College of Bioengineering , Chongqing University, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, and Lab of Functional Gene and Regulation Technologies under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission , Chongqing, China |
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| Abstract: | Conidiation of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum on agar media was investigated. M. acridum CQMa102 exhibits two different conidiation patterns on agar media: normal conidiation in which conidia are formed on extended hyphae and microcycle conidiation in which conidiation occurs directly after conidia germination. Microcycle conidiation resulted in a mass of conidia produced via budding by accelerated development at the inoculation site. The mean total conidial yield (conidiation at day 10) was 4–5-fold greater after microcycle conidiation than during normal conidiation. Insect pathology assays indicated that microcycle conidia produced on SYA agar were as effective as normal aerial conidia against the locust. Ultraviolet (UV)-resistance tests showed no significant differences between the two types of cell propagules. However, microcycle conidia were more heat resistant than normal aerial conidia, and accumulated higher levels of trehalose in response to heat induction compared to normal aerial conidia. |
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| Keywords: | Metarhizium acridum microcycle conidiation conidial production conidial tolerance UV heat tolerant endogenous trehalose |
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