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Evaluation of the Insecticidal Potential of Lysinibacillus fusiformis Against Drosophila suzukii Larvae
by
, , , , , , and
Maristella Mastore
1
,
Elisa Broggio
1, 
Davide Banfi
1,
Ricardo A. R. Machado
2,
Aashaq Hussain Bhat
3,
Sadreddine Kallel
4,
Marcella Reguzzoni
5,
Silvia Quadroni
6
and
Maurizio F. Brivio
1,*
1
Laboratory of Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
2
Experimental Biology Research Group, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Neuchâtel, CH-2009 Neuchatel, Switzerland
3
Department of Biosciences, University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Gharuan 140413, India
4
Laboratory of Bio-Aggressor and Integrated Protection in Agriculture, Department of Plant Health and Environment, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Tunis 1054, Tunisia
5
DIMIT, Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
6
Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Insects 2025, 16(11), 1090; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111090 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 5 September 2025
/
Revised: 17 October 2025
/
Accepted: 23 October 2025
/
Published: 24 October 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drosophila suzukii: Interactions of Microorganisms or Metazoans with the Immune System)
Simple Summary
The spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is a major pest of thin-skinned fruit crops, causing substantial economic losses and driving increased reliance on chemical pesticides. This study investigated the larvicidal activity of the Gram-positive bacterium Lysinibacillus fusiformis against D. suzukii. Larvae were exposed to different bacterial components, including vegetative cells, spores, and secondary metabolites. All components exhibited larvicidal effects, with the strongest impact observed when applied in combination. The treatments induced gut damage and impaired immune responses. These findings suggest the potential of L. fusiformis as a biological control agent, which may contribute to more eco-sustainable agricultural practices. However, additional research is necessary to evaluate its safety and effectiveness under semi-field and field conditions.
Abstract
The increase in the world population and consequent rise in food demand have led to the extensive use of chemical pesticides, causing environmental and health concerns. In response, biological control methods, particularly those involving microbial agents, have emerged as sustainable alternatives within integrated pest management. This study highlights the potential of Lysinibacillus fusiformis as a biocontrol agent against the dipteran Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), a pest responsible for damaging soft-skinned fruits. Experimental treatments using vegetative cells, spores, and secondary metabolites of L. fusiformis on D. suzukii larvae demonstrated significant larvicidal effects, accompanied by observable changes in gut morphology under microscopy. Moreover, preliminary immunological assays showed the interference of this bacterium with the host immune system. All the results indicate the suitability of L. fusiformis for its possible integration into sustainable agricultural practices, although additional research is required to understand its applicability in the field.
