Objective
Many species of molluscs are transit hosts or carriers of trematodes, nematodes and other dangerous parasitic helmintes for animals, man and agriculture. Harmful slugs are widely spread in Kazakhstan and Europe and their control constitutes a serious problem.
Strains of pathogenic fungi differ in their virulence and by a process of screening, highly virulent ones can be identified. The hypothesis of this project is that Beauveria bassiana can be adapted for the harmful slugs biocontrol provided that some key problems will be developed. The aim of project is to put together, by selection, a collection of virulent strains of Beauveria bassiana, to be further used in the preparation of formulated product for biocontrol of harmful slugs. The main goal is to obtain the recombinant strain with high virulent activity against harmful slugs. This will be achieved by:
evaluation of the genetic and phenotypic diversity exhibited by the different strains of Beauveria bassiana;
development of DNA fingerprint procedure for isolates and strains identification;
elucidation of the peculiarities in the host - parasite interrelation between the harmful slugs Deroceras caucasicum Simroth and the fungus Beauveria bassiana;
selection and genetic manipulation of the fungus to improve its virulence for the harmful slugs and its adaptability to the environment;
improvement of existing fermentation and formulation methods for scale-production of the Beauveria bassiana;
assessment of the biological efficacy and epizootical potential of the Beauveria bassiana formulation in green house and in the open field in Kazakhstan.
The new selection method inducing the secondary growth of fungus will be used. The DNA polymorphisms among the various isolates will be evaluated by printing the genomes RAPD technique (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA). The different types of Beauveria bassiana formulations will be obtained including mycelium (a), conidia (b), and full culture (c) preparations.
Immediate benefits from the project are, possibly including new joint patents: a collection of entomopathogenic isolates for further research; a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of virulence; improved methods for cultivation and formulation of entomopathogenic fungi; an examination of widespread in Kazakhstan occurring Deroceras and Arion species for their taxonomic status; a standard method for bioassay of Beauveria bassiana virulence against harmful slugs; a finger print procedure (PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) - RAPD) for some Beauveria bassiana strains and isolates identification; a selection of high virulent strain of Beauveria bassiana; an evaluation on suitable Beauveria bassiana formulation and its efficacy against harmful slugs.
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
Data not availableCoordinator
1040 Bruxelles
Belgium