Biology subjects

Davidovitz, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Davidovitz, M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Entomopathogenic fungi as dual-function biocontrol agents: persistence and microbiome modulation in date palm soils

The effects of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) on native soil microbiota are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the persistence of the EPF Metarhizium brunneum and Beauveria bassiana as preventive treatments for date palms against the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, and monitored the microbial community within the palms. We assessed the changes in the soil microbiota of the palms following application by fungal soil isolation techniques, high-throughput metagenomics, EPF persistence assays, and accompanied that with a continuous monitoring of date palm health. EPF preemptive treatments significantly improved palm protection against the weevil. While both EPF species persisted for 180 days post-application, their effectiveness diverged, with B. bassiana providing longer palm protection. Overall microbial community composition showed no major changes following EPF applications; however, transient alterations increased the relative abundance of local EPF genera, with dominant taxa being more likely to persist. Both EPF treatments enhanced the relative abundance of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, organic matter decomposers, and ammonia-oxidizing archaea, suggesting potential implications for nutrient cycling that require further validation through direct functional measurements. B. bassiana induced the strongest temporal effects on diversity indices, while M. brunneum was more persistent but showed no significant changes in diversity indices compared to the control. These results highlight EPF as a multifunctional biocontrol agent - moderately shaping soil microbiomes for beneficial ecosystem functions.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2024

Female Moths Incorporate Plant Acoustic Emissions into Their Oviposition Decision

Insects rely on plants visual, chemical, tactile, and electrical cues when making various decisions. A recent study demonstrated that dehydrated plants emit ultrasonic sounds within the auditory sensitivity range of many moth species. In this study, we sought to determine whether insects also rely on plant acoustic signals when making decisions. We investigated whether female moths rely on ultrasonic clicks which are typically produced by dehydrated plants when deciding where to oviposit. In the absence of an actual plant, the moths indeed preferred to lay their eggs in proximity to acoustic signals which represent dehydrating plants. Tracking the moths behavior prior to the decision showed that they examined both sides of the arena and gradually spent more time on the acoustic-playback side. Interestingly, when actual plants were added to the arena, the oviposition preference was reversed and the moths preferred silent plants, which is in accordance with their a-priori preference for hydrated plants. Deafening the moths eliminated their preference, confirming that the choice was based on hearing. Moreover, the presence of male moths including their auditory signals did not affect their oviposition decision, suggesting that the response was specific to plant sound emissions. We reveal evidence for a first acoustic interaction between moths and plants, but as plants emit various sounds, our findings hint to the existence of more currently unknown insect-plant acoustic interactions.

animal behavior and cognition↗

bioRxiv2023

CRISPR-Based Genome Editing in Harmonia Axyridis

Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), commonly known as the Asian lady beetle, is a native insect species of Asia that has been intentionally introduced to various regions for biocontrol purposes. However, its widespread presence beyond its original release sites suggests a high degree of invasiveness. Previous studies have employed double-stranded RNA techniques to investigate the functional genomics of this species. In this study, we utilized the CRISPR-Cas9 approach to achieve precise genome editing in H. axyridis. Specifically, we targeted two distinct genes known to exhibit visible phenotypic effects. While the knockout of the laccase2 gene resulted in an early-detectable phenotype but also in lethality, we successfully established a viable and genetically stable mutant colony by disrupting the scarlet gene. Our findings contribute to the expanding knowledge of genetic manipulation in H. axyridis and provide insights into its potential for future research and practical applications for biocontrol and invasive species management.

genomics↗