Title: | Trichoderma metabolites trigger aggregation behavior in Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus) |
Author(s): | Zhang L; Yi C; Du C; Wen C; Li Z; Chen Y; Wen X; Wang C; |
Address: | "College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China. School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China. Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China" |
ISSN/ISBN: | 1744-7917 (Electronic) 1672-9609 (Linking) |
Abstract: | "Our previous studies have shown that some Trichoderma fungi trigger aggregation behavior in Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. However, the mechanisms underlying the induction of termite aggregation by Trichoderma fungi remain unclear. Here, we found that the aqueous or acetone extract of Trichoderma asperellum Samuels, Lieckfeldt & Nirenberg and Trichoderma virens Pers. ex Fries isolated from the gut or cuticle of C. formosanus elicited significant termite aggregation in 2-choice tests. We then screened 9 Trichoderma metabolites (3-acetoxy-2-butanone, phenol, 3-ethoxypropionic acid, ethyl 2,4-dioxovalerate, diglycolic acid, d-valine, styrene, 3-aminopyridine, and hexyl acetoacetate) that triggered termite aggregation. Among them, phenol (1 000 mug/mL), 3-ethoxypropionic acid (10 mug/mL), ethyl 2,4-dioxovalerate (1 000 mug/mL), and diglycolic acid (1 000 mug/mL) showed the strongest activities, triggering termite aggregation throughout the 24-h period. As T. asperellum and T. virens produce different metabolites that trigger aggregation behavior in termites, the mechanisms underlying the interaction between subterranean termites and Trichoderma fungi likely vary. Future studies are needed to test whether these chemicals can attract termites and increase bait consumption" |
Keywords: | Trichoderma aggregation behavior insect-fungus interaction semiochemical subterranean termite; |
Notes: | "PublisherZhang, Lang Yi, Cong Du, Chengju Wen, Chao Li, Zhiqiang Chen, Yong Wen, Xiujun Wang, Cai eng 31500530/National Natural Science Foundation of China/ Australia 2023/03/15 Insect Sci. 2023 Mar 13. doi: 10.1111/1744-7917.13196" |