Skip to main content
Entomology 2024 Main banner
Bayer Crop Science
Icon Legend
 
Oral Presentation
Oral Presentation
Poster Display
Poster Display
Student Competition
Student Competition
Ticketed Event
Ticketed Event
Back

Student Poster Display

Physiology, Biochemistry, and Toxicology

Student

Student Competition

Undergrad Poster Competition: PBT, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Toxicology

D3191: Time course Pro/PO activity in desert locusts, Schistocerca gregoria, infected with fungal Metarhizium biopesticide

Monday, November 11, 2024
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC
Poster Display Student Competition
Locusts present major difficulties for agriculture due to their periodic large-scale migrations and potential to consume large amounts of crops. Fungal biopesticides, like Metarhizium spp., are an alternative to synthetic chemical insecticides. One way insects fight infection is through the prophenoloxidase (ProPO)-activating system which aids in wound healing and melanotic encapsulation. Typically, ProPO/PO activity increases in response to pathogens; however, previous experimentation indicates low ProPo activity and high Metarhizium sporulation several days post infection. In addition to pathogen interference in immune function, macronutrient consumption significantly influences desert locust immune response. In previous studies, a significant positive association was found between protein consumption and PO activity. This study examines how protein consumption affects ProPO/PO activity throughout an infection. Observing how desert locust immune status changes over time is essential for improving the success of biopesticides. This research emphasizes the need for understanding the progression of locust immune responses to optimize biopesticide strategies and enhance sustainable pest control methods.