The conidial mucilage, natural film coatings, is involved in environmental adaptability and pathogenicity of Hirsutella satumaensis Aoki.

ABSTRACT: The Hirsutella genus is very special asexually-reproducing pathogens of insects by reduced sporulation, host specificity and spores covered by a thick mucilage layer. However, the ecological function of conidial mucilage remains elusive. In this study, the possible ecological role of conidial mucilage from the entomopathogenic fungus Hirsutella satumaensis was functionally investigated through tolerance, adherence and insect bioassays involving aerial conidia (AC) and mucilage-free conidia (MFC). Measurements of hydrophobicity using microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons (MATH) indicated that mucilage is main contributor to the surface hydrophobicity of AC. When subjected in tolerance assays to extreme temperatures, high chemical pressure, extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation and cold st

SUBMITTER: Qu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5431061 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature