Innovative microbiological strategies based on entomopathogenic fungi for the sustainable protection of forest, agricultural, and green urban ecosystems
Author(s)
Flavia Isoli, Silvia Turco, Stefano Speranza, Mario Contarini
Date Issued
2026
Type
conferenceObject
Abstract
Invasive insect pests pose a serious threat to forest ecosystems worldwide, and biological control strategies are increasingly
recognized as environmentally sustainable methods. Among these, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) represent a promising
tool due to their ability to infect insect host and cause mortality. EPFs present several advantages including reduced
environmental impact, host specificity and the potential to persist and spread within host populations, providing long-term
pest control. This study will focus on Entomophaga maimaiga, an entomopathogenic fungus that specifically infects and kills
larvae of Lymantria dispar, one of the most important defoliators in Europe, Asia and North Africa. Native to Japan, E.
maimaiga has been introduced in several countries worldwide, but is not yet present in Italy. However, its field efficacy is
often variable, and the factors underlying this variability remain poorly understood.
This research will investigate the role of the L. dispar microbiota in modulating fungal infection. In particular, variations in
L. dispar larval gut microbiota related to diet will be analyzed, together with the bacterial and fungal communities associated
to the larval cuticle and their potential effects on E. maimaiga infection processes. Additionally, volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) produced during the infection process will be examined to assess their impact on larval physiology and susceptibility.
Finally, the susceptibility of native lepidopteran species to E. maimaiga will be evaluated to assess possible nontarget effects
before the potential fungus introduction in the Italian ecosystems.