Histopathological Study of Host–Pathogen Interactions Between <i>Cordyceps javanica</i> PSUC002 and <i>Hypothenemus hampei</i>

The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), such as <i>Cordyceps javanica</i>, to reduce insect pest populations is gaining traction since it is an environmentally safe approach that can control many pests at different life stages. Here, we focus on the histopathology of the coffee berry bo...

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Main Authors: Sinlapachai Senarat, Peerasak Bunsap, Pisit Poolprasert, Anjaree Inchan, Natthawut Charoenphon, Peerapon Sornying, Narit Thaochan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Fungi
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/6/423
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author Sinlapachai Senarat
Peerasak Bunsap
Pisit Poolprasert
Anjaree Inchan
Natthawut Charoenphon
Peerapon Sornying
Narit Thaochan
author_facet Sinlapachai Senarat
Peerasak Bunsap
Pisit Poolprasert
Anjaree Inchan
Natthawut Charoenphon
Peerapon Sornying
Narit Thaochan
author_sort Sinlapachai Senarat
collection DOAJ
description The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), such as <i>Cordyceps javanica</i>, to reduce insect pest populations is gaining traction since it is an environmentally safe approach that can control many pests at different life stages. Here, we focus on the histopathology of the coffee berry borer, <i>Hypothenemus hampei</i>, infected by <i>C. javanica.</i> Morphological observation revealed that <i>C</i>. <i>javanica</i> conidia germinated within 12 h following inoculation according to light microscopic and ultrastructural levels. The fungus thoroughly penetrated the fat body and muscular tissue between 84 and 120 h post-inoculation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the hyphal invasion of the cuticle at 12 h post-inoculation, with progressive tissue disruption and organelle degeneration, especially mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum in adipocytes. All organelles were completely degenerated at 96 h post-inoculation. There was evidence of a connection between <i>C</i>. <i>javanica</i> activity and the coffee berry borer that might cause histopathological changes in the host defense against the pathogen, pointing to increased mortality and potential control of coffee berry borer in natural populations. Additionally, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) confirmed that apoptotic cells were slightly increased in the adipose tissue and integument of the coffee berry borer. The ability of <i>C</i>. <i>javanica</i> to fatally infect the coffee berry borer suggests that it could be deployed as a biological control agent in the field.
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spelling doaj-art-66f52df90f5c4e8f87e2771844b43b6e2025-08-20T02:21:07ZengMDPI AGJournal of Fungi2309-608X2025-05-0111642310.3390/jof11060423Histopathological Study of Host–Pathogen Interactions Between <i>Cordyceps javanica</i> PSUC002 and <i>Hypothenemus hampei</i>Sinlapachai Senarat0Peerasak Bunsap1Pisit Poolprasert2Anjaree Inchan3Natthawut Charoenphon4Peerapon Sornying5Narit Thaochan6Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, ThailandAgricultural Innovation and Management Division (Pest Management), Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, ThailandDepartment of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, ThailandFaculty of Medicine, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, ThailandDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, ThailandDepartment of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, ThailandAgricultural Innovation and Management Division (Pest Management), Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, ThailandThe use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), such as <i>Cordyceps javanica</i>, to reduce insect pest populations is gaining traction since it is an environmentally safe approach that can control many pests at different life stages. Here, we focus on the histopathology of the coffee berry borer, <i>Hypothenemus hampei</i>, infected by <i>C. javanica.</i> Morphological observation revealed that <i>C</i>. <i>javanica</i> conidia germinated within 12 h following inoculation according to light microscopic and ultrastructural levels. The fungus thoroughly penetrated the fat body and muscular tissue between 84 and 120 h post-inoculation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the hyphal invasion of the cuticle at 12 h post-inoculation, with progressive tissue disruption and organelle degeneration, especially mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum in adipocytes. All organelles were completely degenerated at 96 h post-inoculation. There was evidence of a connection between <i>C</i>. <i>javanica</i> activity and the coffee berry borer that might cause histopathological changes in the host defense against the pathogen, pointing to increased mortality and potential control of coffee berry borer in natural populations. Additionally, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) confirmed that apoptotic cells were slightly increased in the adipose tissue and integument of the coffee berry borer. The ability of <i>C</i>. <i>javanica</i> to fatally infect the coffee berry borer suggests that it could be deployed as a biological control agent in the field.https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/6/423<i>Cordyceps javanica</i>coffee berry borerinsect integumentconidia infestation
spellingShingle Sinlapachai Senarat
Peerasak Bunsap
Pisit Poolprasert
Anjaree Inchan
Natthawut Charoenphon
Peerapon Sornying
Narit Thaochan
Histopathological Study of Host–Pathogen Interactions Between <i>Cordyceps javanica</i> PSUC002 and <i>Hypothenemus hampei</i>
Journal of Fungi
<i>Cordyceps javanica</i>
coffee berry borer
insect integument
conidia infestation
title Histopathological Study of Host–Pathogen Interactions Between <i>Cordyceps javanica</i> PSUC002 and <i>Hypothenemus hampei</i>
title_full Histopathological Study of Host–Pathogen Interactions Between <i>Cordyceps javanica</i> PSUC002 and <i>Hypothenemus hampei</i>
title_fullStr Histopathological Study of Host–Pathogen Interactions Between <i>Cordyceps javanica</i> PSUC002 and <i>Hypothenemus hampei</i>
title_full_unstemmed Histopathological Study of Host–Pathogen Interactions Between <i>Cordyceps javanica</i> PSUC002 and <i>Hypothenemus hampei</i>
title_short Histopathological Study of Host–Pathogen Interactions Between <i>Cordyceps javanica</i> PSUC002 and <i>Hypothenemus hampei</i>
title_sort histopathological study of host pathogen interactions between i cordyceps javanica i psuc002 and i hypothenemus hampei i
topic <i>Cordyceps javanica</i>
coffee berry borer
insect integument
conidia infestation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/6/423
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