An insight in proteome profiling of Tuta absoluta larvae after entomopathogenic fungal infection

Tuta absoluta (L.) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a major pest of solanaceous plant species, causes serious losses in the agriculture sector around the globe. For better pest management, entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Purpureocillium lilacinum, play an efficient role in suppressing the pest population. The present study was carried out to analyse the effects post fungal infections through proteome profiling using an Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometer. A total of 2,201 proteins were identified from the fourth instar larvae of T. absoluta, of which 442 and 423 proteins were significantly dysregulated upon infection with P. lilacinum and B. bassiana respectively. The potential proteins related to immune systems as well as detoxification processes showed significant alterations after post fungal infection. Studies on T. absoluta proteomics and genomics as well as the consequences of entomopathogenic fungal infection on the immune response of this insect could provide an initial framework for exploring more fungus-host interactions for the development of better strategies for integrated pest management.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the proteome of the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta after fungal infections. Significant alterations were observed in proteins related to immune systems and detoxification processes following infection with Purpureocillium lilacinum and Beauveria bassiana. Understanding the proteomics and genomics of T. absoluta and the effects of entomopathogenic fungal infection on insect immune response could contribute to the development of improved strategies for integrated pest management.