The UV protectant properties of tea extracts on entomopathogenic fungus spores and their lethal effect on Galleria mellonella (L., 1758) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of various tea extracts in providing ultraviolet (UV) protection for entomopathogenic fungi. UV radiation could have detrimental effects on viability of these fungi, which are important biocontrol agents against insect pests. This study was carried out in the Microbiology Laboratory of the Department of Biology Karadeniz Technical University in 2023. We evaluated the UV protective properties of various tea extracts in entomopathogenic fungi [Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuil. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) and Metharizium flavoviride (Gams and Rozsypal 1956) (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae)] and tea extracts effectiveness against Galleria mellonella (L.,1758) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. Our findings demonstrate that certain tea extracts exhibit significant UV protection for entomopathogenic fungi, suggesting their potential application in improving the performance of biocontrol agents in outdoor environments. The highest UV-B protection was observed by adding black and green tea extracts to fungal spores, resulting in a radial growth measurement of 14.6 mm and 14.3 mm, respectively, at the end of 10 days of exposure for 120 minutes. These results contribute to the development of ecofriendly strategies for pest management in agriculture.