Effects on Detoxification Enzymes of <i>Bemisia tabaci</i> (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Infected by <i>Beauveria bassiana</i> on Various Host Plants

This study investigated the effects of Beauveria bassiana infection on detoxification enzymes in Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) across different host plants. Mortality rates varied significantly, showing a concentration-dependent response. The highest mortality of eggs and nymphs occurred on C. sativus at 2.5×10⁷ spores/mL, while the lowest was recorded on C. annum at the same concentration. A similar trend was observed at the lowest tested concentration (1×10⁶ spores/mL), with C. sativus exhibiting the highest mortality and C. annum the lowest. Enzyme assays revealed that glutathione S-transferase (GST) and esterase (EST) activities increased in infected B. tabaci compared to controls on C. sativus. In contrast, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities showed a gradual rise post-infection on C. sativus as compared to other tested hosts. These findings highlight host plant-mediated variations in B. bassiana efficacy and associated enzymatic responses in B. tabaci, providing insights into fungal biocontrol mechanisms.