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Imprint
Biodiversity and host adaptation of insect pathogenic Rickettsiella bacteria from Mexico
Project
Project code: JKI-BI-08-1185
Contract period: 01.04.2012
- 31.03.2014
Purpose of research: Basic research
As agents of the biological control of agricultural pest insects, but also of the vectors of infectious diseases, entomopathogenic micro-organisms are of considerable economic interest. A sound understanding of the biology of infection of these organims is an inalterable prerequisite of both registration and responsible application of corresponding bio-insecticides.
While in the past mainly Bacillus thuringiensis has been considered as a bacterial insect biocontrol agent, there is an increasing interest in further entomopathogenic bacteria, including those of the genus Rickettsiella. The research project presented here aims towards increasing our understanding of the host-pathogen relationship, with particular emphasis on the stability of the host adaptation by Rickettsiella bacteria, i.e. a both application relevant and controversially discussed trait of these organisms. The methodological approach consists in a targeted search for new Rickettsiella isolates from Mexico, their phylogenetic characterization and comparison to currently available strains from Germany and New Zealand. Specifically adapted genetic diagnosis tools have been developed by the German partner.
Reaching beyond this Mexican-German bilateral cooperation, inclusion of a third partner from New Zealand should help developing the present project into a multilateral thematic research network.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Protection
