Mortality and immune challenge of a native isolate of Beauveria bassina against the larvae of Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract Background Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) attack a wide range of insects. They are considered environmental friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for pest control. In the present study, virulence native isolate EPF, Beauveria bassiana Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) was evaluated against least mulberry pyralid, Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), through bioassay, pathogenic pathways, and immune responses. Results The values 2.6 × 10 4 conidia/ml 3.54 days were determined as median lethal concentration (LC 50 ) (LT AM-118 4th instar larvae G. , respectively. activities proteases chitinases in culture medium containing larval cuticle higher than control medium. Moreover, total differential hemocyte counts significantly changed after injection with spores. highest numbers hemocytes granulocytes obtained 3 6 h post-injection, while plasmatocytes nodules observed post-injection. activity phenoloxidase 12 post-injection by spores . Conclusions findings imply on pyoalis although responses triggered