Lysinibacillus fusiformis (Bacillaceae) isolated from Red Soil Reported for the First Time as Effective in Control of Mosquito Vectors

Author: Abhisubesh Vijayakumar, Manikandan Sivaprakasam, Aneha Kunnikuruvan, Jibi Lukose, Bhagyashree Bora, Kakhuangailiu Gangmei, Sahadiya Mandodan, Hemaladkshmi Padmanaban, Mathivanan Ashokkumar, Vijayalakshmi Krishnamoorthy and Poopathi Subbiah

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Abstract

Mosquitoes are the primary vectors for the transmission of human diseases, like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Culex mosquitoes are vectoring pathogens for the diseases like lymphatic filariasis, West Nile virus, and Japanese encephalitis. Malaria is transmitted by Anopheles sp. Microbial control offers an alternative to chemical pesticides that have detrimental effects on the ecosystem. Bacillus thuringiensis is the most widely deployed mosquitocidal bacteria, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical insecticides. Exploration of novel biocontrol agents is crucial to understanding the bacteria-mosquito interaction, expanding the biopesticide industry, and countering the development of resistance. In the present study, different types of soils like red, clay, black, and alluvial soils from the agricultural fields were collected from 2021 to 2022 and examined for any mosquitocidal bacterial isolates. Microbiological examinations such as serial dilutions, plating, colony isolation, and bacterial culture were carried out in the laboratory from 310 samples collected from different locations. Mosquito toxicity (bioassays) was carried out against the mosquito larvae (Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus) to screen the potential bacterial colony. Thirteen isolates out of 310 samples showed promising results. Eight isolates were identified from red soil, four isolates were from black soil and one was from clay soil. The Phylogenetic tree from the 16S rRNA sequence of the isolate (TVL-KU23) showed that the potential bacterium was Lysinibacillus fusiformis (Bacillaceae). It is the first report that this strain was investigated from red soil with mosquitocidal properties.

Keywords

Lysinibacillus fusiformis, mosquito species, bioassays, red soil, 16S rRNA sequence

Conclusion

With no mosquito-specific medications or vaccinations, mosquito-borne diseases can be effectively countered only through vector control strategies. The microbial pesticide industry constantly demands the exploration of new effective mosquitocidal bacteria in terms of toxicity as well as environmental safety. As the soil is the primary source of microorganisms, we have explored red soil, black soil, and clay soil for mosquitocidal bacteria. This study examines the microhabitats of the Western Ghats region in Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts in Tamil Nadu, India, focusing on their diverse mosquitocidal bacteria. This study reports mosquitocidal bacterial isolate Lysinibacillus fusiformis from red soils for the first time in India.

References

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How to cite this article

Abhisubesh Vijayakumar, Manikandan Sivaprakasam, Aneha Kunnikuruvan, Jibi Lukose, Bhagyashree Bora, Kakhuangailiu Gangmei, Sahadiya Mandodan, Hemaladkshmi Padmanaban, Mathivanan Ashokkumar, Vijayalakshmi Krishnamoorthy and Poopathi Subbiah (2023). Lysinibacillus fusiformis (Bacillaceae) isolated from Red Soil Reported for the First Time as Effective in Control of Mosquito Vectors. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 1497-1503.