Investigation on Gut Microbiota Diversity of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Larvae

Abstract

The red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a species of beetle that depends on palm trees to complete its life cycle. RPW larvae feed on palm trunks and can cause tree death, with significant impacts on both wild and cultivated palms. The larvae burrow into the trunk of the palm and feed on the delicate tissue and sap of the palm, killing the host tree. Herbivore insect gut microbiota play important roles in host physiological characteristics such as nutritional needs, immunity, growth and developmental mechanisms, and mating behavior. The aim of this study was to determine the gut microbiota diversity of RPW larvae sampled in Sistan and Baluchistan province, Iran. Analysis of 16S rRNA amplified directly from the intestine showed the presence of Serratia sp., Klebsiella sp., and Shigella sp. from the Enterobacteriaceae family, Bacillus sp. from the Bacillacea family, Enterococcus sp. from the Enterococcaceae family, and Kocuria sp. from the Micrococcaceae family. The results of their cultivation on a modified CMCAgar medium showed that Kocuria, Serratia, Bacillus, Shigella genera have the ability to degrade cellulose. Identifying the bacterial flora and determining their role can be essential to controlling and reducing the population of this pest.