Aerobic gut bacterial flora of Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and their virulence to the host

Abstract

This study aimed to isolate and characterize bacteria from the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), and determine their virulence to its larvae. A total of 16 bacteria were isolated from larvae belonging to different instars. Based on morphological, biochemical, physiological, and molecular studies, the bacterial isolates were identified as Pseudomonas sp. (Cp1, 3, 5, and 13), Corynebacterium sp. (Cp2), Bacillus sp. (Cp4, 7, 9, 10, 12, and 15), Pectobacterium carotovorum (Cp6), Paenibacillus sp. (Cp8), Bacillus megaterium (Cp11), Bacillus pumilus (Cp14), and Terribacillus saccharophilus (Cp16). It was also determined the virulence of these isolates, where the highest potential activity was obtained by Bacillus sp. Cp9, with (76%) mortality. These results could be beneficial for future biocontrol programs of C. pomonella.