Context-dependent compatibility of the entomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps javanica JS001 with the predatory bug Cyrtorhinus lividipennis suggests potential for enhancing suppression of the rice planthopper Nilaparvata lugens.

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Citation abstract

BACKGROUND: The brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, is a devastating rice pest in Asia. Although both the entomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps javanica JS001 and the predatory mirid bug Cyrtorhinus lividipennis are promising biocontrol agents, their compatibility remains unassessed. This study evaluated their interaction under laboratory and field conditions to support integrated pest management strategies.

RESULTS: C. javanica JS001 was highly virulent against N. lugens (7-day LC 50 = 2.11 × 10 5 conidia/mL) but showed lower toxicity to C. lividipennis (7-day LC 50 = 2.91 × 10 8 conidia/mL), with a selectivity ratio of 1379.15. High-concentration exposure (1 × 10 8 conidia/mL) moderately reduced predator fecundity but did not affect egg hatchability. Behavioral assays revealed no adverse effects; predators were even attracted to fungus-treated plants co-infested with N. lugens. Grooming behavior facilitated spore removal and reduced infection risk. Functional response analysis confirmed a type II response across all treatments, with no significant alteration in attack rate, handling time, or maximum daily predation capacity following fungal exposure. Survival assays showed a synergistic effect where the combined application of the fungus and predator resulted in significantly higher N. lugens mortality than either agent alone. Two-year field trials validated these findings, demonstrating that JS001 applications (at 1 × 10 6 and 1 × 10 8 conidia/mL) effectively suppressed N. lugens populations while posing minimal risk to C. lividipennis.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that C. javanica JS001 is highly selective and contextually compatible with C. lividipennis, positioning it as a promising tool for enhancing planthopper biocontrol within sustainable rice pest management programs. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.