Population genomics and evolution of a fungal pathogen after releasing exotic strains to control insect pests for 20 years.

ABSTRACT: Entomopathogenic fungi are one of the key regulators of insect populations in nature. Some species such as Beauveria bassiana with a wide host range have been developed as promising alternatives to chemical insecticides for the biocontrol of insect pests. However, the long-term persistence of the released strains, the effect on non-target hosts and local fungal populations remains elusive, but they are considerable concerns with respect to environmental safety. Here we report the temporal features of the Beauveria population genomics and evolution over 20 years after releasing exotic strains to control pine caterpillar pests. We found that the isolates within the biocontrol site were mostly of clonal origins. The released strains could persist in the environment for a long time but with lo

SUBMITTER: Mei L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7242398 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature