Proteomic profiling and alteration in Tuta absoluta upon infection with entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Purpureocillium lilacinum

Tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) is a major pest of solanaceous plant species and causes heavy economic losses to the tomato crop. T. absoluta have been developed resistance to many chemical insecticides and have serious impacts on human health as well as environment. To overcome the ill effects of insecticides, ecofriendly approachis needed and among various biological microbes, entomopathogenic fungi is reliable and cost effective. The entomopathogenic fungi, like Beauveria bassiana and Purpureocillium lilacinum have ability to control pest population. The present study was conducted to study the interaction of B. bassiana and P. lilacinum at proteomic level to understand post infection effects. The analysis showed that in fourth instar larvae of T. absoluta, and the 442 and 423 proteins were significantly dysregulated upon infection with P. lilacinum and B. bassiana respectively. The present study concluded entomopathogenic fungal infection decline the immune system of T. absoluta larvae and can be adopted in for control of T. absoluta insect pest.