Biocontrol potential of cell-free supernatants of different endosymbiotic bacteria isolated from entomopathogenic nematodes on Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera Pyralidae)

Author : Ebubekir Yksel

Abstract :Today, biological control methods are gaining importance to ensure sustainability in agriculture and protect both humans and the environment. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their bacterial endosymbionts (BESs) are emerging bio-control agents in sustainable pest control approaches. In the present study, the contact toxicity of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of BESs (Xenorhabdus bovienii MCB-8 and Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. kayaii AVB-15) isolated from EPNs was evaluated against the last instar Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera Pyralidae) larvae under controlled conditions (25±1°C, relative humidity of 65±5%, and 12 hours light and dark photoperiods). The CFSs of both BESs provided mortalities over 50% 72 hours post-treatments. Moreover, the mortality rates of G. mellonella reached 80% and 86% after 96 hours of exposure to X. bovienii MCB-8 and P. luminescens subsp. kayaii AVB-15, respectively. The results revealed that these BESs of EPNs were highly effective against G. mellonella larvae under controlled conditions. However, further studies in field conditions are required to understand to uncover their field control potential.

Keywords :Symbiotic bacteria, the greater wax moth, entomopathogens.

Conference Name :International Conference on Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences (ICALES-25)

Conference Place Stuttgart, Germany

Conference Date 17th Sep 2025