Impact of magnetic fields on the entomopathogenic activity of Beauveria bassiana and the biological and biochemical responses of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Document Type : Original Article

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Plant Protection Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

10.21608/ejar.2025.431206.1744

Abstract

Using magnetic fields for pest management requires a radical knowledge of their effects on insect behavior and anatomy. This study evaluated the impact of magnetic fields on pathogenic efficacy of the white muscarinic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, against the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) second-instar larvae. The fungus suspension was prepared using sterile water with 0.05% Tween 80, before and after magnetization. Magnetized suspensions of fungi displayed improved bioactivity with higher larval mortality (71.7%) compared to their non-magnetized ones (58%) and untreated controls (7%). Toxicity varied for LC50 values, it were (9x105 conidia/mL for un- magnetized fungus vs. 2x105 conidia/mL for magnetized fungus.), with longer developmental periods for S. littoralis immatures with magnetized fungi (39.0 days) than unmagnified fungi (34.6 days). Biochemical assays showed significant reductions in treated larvae for total proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, the maximum depletion being that under magnetized fungal treatment.  Significant reductions in total proteins (9.33 mg/g), lipids (16.63 mg/g), and carbohydrates (12.9 mg/g) for magnetized fungus treatments in comparison with both non-magnetized fungi (11.2, 14.93, and 26.63 mg/g, respectively) and untreated larvae (14.3, 18.77, and 29.0 mg/g, respectively). Simultaneously, heightened activities of transaminase enzymes (AST and ALT) were observed, reflecting physiological stress responses. The results demonstrate that magnetization enhances B. bassiana's pathogenic impacts, supporting its potential as a novel and efficient tool for sustainable pests’ management.
 

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