Detection, characterization and distribution of protist pathogens of indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), lepidoptera:pyralidae) and investigation of its potential for biological control

In this doctoral thesis, the identification, isolation, characterization, diversity, and distribution over a five-year period (2019-2023) of entomopathogens with high insecticidal efficacy against the Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpunctella, (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae)), an important storage pest in our country, have been investigated in different geographical populations. By determining the seasonal pathogen density, the insecticidal effects of protist entomopathogens on the Indian Meal Moth under laboratory conditions have been comprehensively studied for the first time. Throughout the study, samples collected from 14 different localities in Turkey were examined macroscopically and microscopically for the presence of protist pathogens, and their ultrastructural characteristics were elucidated using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) studies. DNA isolation and molecular studies were conducted on the identified pathogens, and phylogenetic analyses were performed. According to the study results, Neogregarine pathogens were found in 8 of the 14 provinces, Coccidian pathogens in 4 of the 14 provinces, and Microsporidian pathogens in 12 of the 14 provinces. Particularly, the protist pathogens Neogregarine Mattesia dispora and Microsporidian Vairiomorpha plodiae isolate TR were found to be more commonly present in P. interpunctella. The identified Coccidian pathogen Adelina mesnili is significant as it represents the first record of Adeleid Coccidian obtained from P. interpunctella populations in Turkey. Protist pathogen solutions prepared in different concentrations were used for bioassay trials. It was found that V. plodiae isolate TR and M. dispora exhibited a particularly high virulent effect against P. interpunctella. When examining the seasonal pathogen density, it was determined that V. plodiae isolate TR and M. dispora infected P. interpunctella in every season of the year and caused infections in all life stages of P. interpunctella (larva, pupa, and adult). Keywords: Biological Control, Entomopathogen, Plodia interpunctella, Stored Product