Purification and characterization of the cuticle-degrading proteases produced by an isolate of Beauveria bassiana using the cuticle of the predatory bug, Andrallus spinidens Fabricius (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

The entomopathogenic fungi-like Beauveria bassiana must penetrate via the integument of an insect to reach the hemocoel. Since proteins are the molecules responsible for integument strength in insects, the proteins must synthesise the cuticle degrading proteases which will then enable the proteases to penetrate. It is important to determine the biochemical properties of these proteases so that fungal virulence can be better understood. In the current study, a recently collected isolate of B. bassiana, namely AM-118, was inoculated in liquid media containing 0.5% of Andrallus spinidens Fabricus cuticle to obtain specific proteases. The crude samples were purified via a three step process using ammonium sulfate, Sepharyl G-100, and DEAE-Cellulose Fast Flow. The results revealed two proteases known as subtilisin-like (Pr1), and trypsin-like (Pr2), with the molecular weights of 105 and 103 kDa. The optimal pH and temperature values were found to be 8 and 35°C for Pr1 and 8 and 40°C for Pr2, respectively. Inhibitors like AEBSF, EDTA, TPCK, and phenanthroline significantly affected proteolytic activities. Here, we reported two fungal proteases by high molecular weight from an Iranian isolate of B. bassiana. These findings will help us to better understand fungal virulence against insects.

Cellular energy allocation in the predatory bug, Andrallus spinidens Fabricius (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), following sublethal exposure to diazinon, fenitrothion, and chlorpyrifos

It is necessary to study the biochemical changes in insects exposed to toxicants if we want to predict the potential of various chemicals on the natural enemy. Physiological energy, as a biochemical biomarker, may be affected by many pesticides including organophosphate compounds. Therefore, in this study, the sublethal effects of diazinon, fenitrothion, and chlorpyrifos on the cellular energy allocation (CEA) of the predatory bug, Andrallus spinidens Fabricius (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a potential biological control agent, was studied on 5th-instar nymphs. Among the energy reserves of the A. spinidens nymphs, only total protein was significantly affected by pesticide treatments, and the highest value was observed in chlorpyrifos treatment. The energy available (Ea) and energy consumption (Ec) in A. spinidens were significantly affected by these pesticides. In exposed bugs, these parameters were affected by fenitrothion and chlorpyrifos more than diazinon. The activity of the electron transport system (ETS) in the Ec assay showed that A. spinidens exposed to chlorpyrifos had the highest rate of oxygen consumption. Although, there was no significant change in CEA, the insecticides caused a marked change in the physiological balance of A. spinidens. The results suggested that the adverse effect of these insecticides on A. spinidens should be considered in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.