Characterization of the phenotypic and genotypic tolerance to abiotic stresses of natural populations of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora.

ABSTRACT: Entomopathogenic nematodes are effective biocontrol agents against arthropod pests. However, their efficacy is limited due to sensitivity to environmental extremes. The objective of the present study was to establish a foundation of genetic-based selection tools for beneficial traits of heat and desiccation tolerance in entomopathogenic nematodes. Screening of natural populations enabled us to create a diverse genetic and phenotypic pool. Gene expression patterns and genomic variation were studied in natural isolates. Heterorhabditis isolates were phenotyped by heat- and desiccation-stress bioassays to determine their survival rates compared to a commercial line. Transcriptomic study was carried out for the commercial line, a high heat-tolerant strain, and for the natural, low heat-toleran

SUBMITTER: Levy N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7324380 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature