Biocontrol Potential of Chitin and Chitosan Extracted from Black Soldier Fly Pupal Exuviae against Bacterial Wilt of Tomato

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Globally, Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) is ranked one of the most destructive bacterial pathogens inducing rapid and fatal wilting symptoms on tomatoes. Yield losses on tomatoes vary from 0 to 91% and most control measures are unaffordable to resource-poor farmers. This study investigated the antimicrobial activities of chitin and chitosan extracted from black soldier fly (BSF) pupal exuviae against R. solanacearum. Morphological, biochemical, and molecular techniques were used to isolate and characterize R. solanacearum for in vitro pathogenicity test using disc diffusion technique. Our results revealed that BSF chitosan significantly inhibited the growth of R. solanacearum when compared to treatments without chitosan. However, there was no significant difference in the antibacterial activities between BSF and commercial chitosan against R. solanacearum. Soil amended with BSF-chitin and chitosan demonstrated a reduction in bacterial wilt disease incidence by 30.31% and 34.95%, respectively. Whereas, disease severity was reduced by 22.57% and 23.66%, when inoculated tomato plants were subjected to soil amended with BSF chitin and chitosan, respectively. These findings have demonstrated that BSF pupal shells are an attractive renewable raw material for the recovery of valuable products (chitin and chitosan) with promising ability as a new type of eco-friendly control measure against bacterial wilt caused by R. solanacearum. Further studies should explore integrated pest management options that integrate multiple components including insect-based chitin and chitosan to manage bacterial wilt diseases, contributing significantly to increased tomato production worldwide.

Source: Microorganisms

DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010165

Authors: Violah Kemboi, Carolyne Kipkoech, Moses Njire, Samuel Were, Mevin Lagat, Francis Ndwiga, John Wesonga, Chrysantus Tanga

Institutions: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Language: English

Topic: Plant Pathogenic Bacteria Studies

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,303

Funders: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Styrelsen för Internationellt Utvecklingssamarbete, Government of the Republic of Kenya, International Development Research Centre, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Direktoratet for Utviklingssamarbeid, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

OpenAlex ID: W4205346777