Potential of Symbiotic Bacteria as Bioinsecticides
Bacteria that live symbiotically in FAW's gut, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), have long been known as effective bioinsecticides. Bt produces Cry (crystal) proteins that are toxic to various insect larvae, including FAW (Bravo et al., 2011). Other symbiotic bacteria, such as Enterobacter, also show potential in influencing pest resistance to pesticides and offer new possibilities for pest control by modifying pest gut microbiota (Dillon & Dillon, 2004).
Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are two types of entomopathogenic fungi that have been extensively studied as biological control agents against various pest species, including FAW. These fungi infect their hosts through the cuticle, proliferate inside the insect, and eventually kill the host (Shah & Goettel, 1999). Research indicates that these pathogens are highly effective in controlling FAW populations, particularly when applied during early pest developmental stages (De Faria & Wraight, 2007).
Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) is another promising bioinsecticide for controlling FAW. NPV naturally infects insect larvae and causes fatal disease in the host. Application of NPV has proven effective in reducing FAW populations in the field, especially when integrated into a comprehensive pest management program (Lacey et al., 2015). The advantage of NPV lies in its host specificity and minimal impact on non-target organisms and the environment.
Bioinsecticides in Sustainable Agriculture
The use of bioinsecticides based on FAW's symbiotic microorganisms aligns with the principles of sustainable agriculture because it reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, lowers the risk of pest resistance, and minimizes negative environmental impacts (Medeiros et al., 2021). In further development, this pest control strategy can be integrated with other techniques, such as crop rotation and resistant crop varieties, to achieve healthier and more productive farming systems (Pretty, 2008).
Thus, the use of symbiotic microorganisms from Spodoptera frugiperda as bioinsecticides offers an innovative solution that supports sustainable agriculture and more effective, environmentally friendly pest control.
Conclusion
Effective and environmentally friendly pest control is one of the main challenges in realizing sustainable agriculture. The use of bioinsecticides derived from symbiotic microorganisms of Spodoptera frugiperda offers an innovative solution for pest management that has the potential to reduce the negative impacts of chemical pesticides. Symbiotic microorganisms such as gut bacteria (Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Bacillus) and entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae), as well as viruses like nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV), have been proven to naturally infect and kill pests. Additionally, these microorganisms can influence the pest's resistance to environmental conditions and pesticides.
Bioinsecticides based on FAW symbiotics not only have the potential to effectively control pests but also support ecosystem sustainability and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. The integration of bioinsecticides with other pest management approaches, such as crop rotation and the use of resistant varieties, will further strengthen pest control strategies in sustainable agricultural systems. The use of these bioinsecticides can be a significant step toward creating healthier, safer, and more sustainable agriculture for the future.
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