DOI: 10.1515/ap-2016-0032 © W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology, PAS Acta Parasitologica, 2016, 61(2), 228–231; ISSN 1230-2821 First report and spore ultrastructure of Vairimorpha plodiae (Opisthokonta: Microspora) from Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Turkey Mustafa Yaman 1,4 * , F. Pınar Güngör 1 , Beyza Gonca Güner 1 , Renate Radek 2 and Andreas Linde 3 1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Karadeniz Technical University, 61080, Trabzon, Turkey; s2 Free University of Berlin, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Königin-Luise-Str. 1–3, 14195 Berlin, Germany; 3 University for Sustainable Development, Forest and Environment, Applied Ecology and Zoology, Alfred-Möller-Str. 1, 16225 Eberswalde, Germany; 4 Faculty of Education, Ordu University, Ordu, 52200, Turkey Abstract The present study describes the first isolation and characterization of Vairimorpha plodiae, a microsporidian pathogen of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), from Turkey. We present characteristic light and electron microscopical features of the spores. Fresh binucleate spores are oval and measure 4.48 ± 0.23 (4.01–4.84) µm in length and 2.21 ± 0.15 (1.91–2.48) µm in width. Ultrastructural studies showed that the spore wall measures 150 to 200 nm and consists of a clear endospore (125–150 nm) and an electron-dense, uniform, thin exospore (30–50 nm). The polar filament is isofilar and with 10–12 coils. The well-developed polaroplast consists of two parts with thin lamellae anteriorly and thick, irregularly arranged lamellae posteriorly. The identity of our isolate is discussed. Keywords Plodia interpunctella, Vairimorpha plodiae, microsporidium, biological control, spore morphology Introduction The Indian-meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is one of the most common pests in stored products such as dried fruits, nuts and flour not only in Turkey but in the whole world (Malone 1984; Kıvan and Karsavuran 1991; Turanlı 2003; Grieshop 2005). Chemical control strategies have been of limited use because of undesirable effects: Non- target organisms including useful insects, man and environment may be harmed, resistance against the pesticides may develop, and remaining toxic residues on stored products pose a possi- ble threat for consumers (FAO 1992). Several alternative con- trol measures have been used so far to prevent the increased spreading of this pest and economical loses (Malone 1984; Tunc et al. 2000; Ayvaz et al. 2008, 2010). The most promis- ing results for the control of this pest were reported with the use of natural enemies (Schöller and Filinn 2000; Grieshop 2005; Shojaaddini et al. 2012). Entomopathogens such as mi- croporidia can be potential biological control agents of insects. Most microsporidian species are very host specific avoiding non-target effects on other insect species. Kellen and Lindegren (1968, 1969) described two mi- crosporidian species from P. interpunctella in California, Nosema plodiae and Thelohania nana. Maddox and Sprenkel (1978) and Malone and Canning (1982) later concluded that those two species were in fact a single, dimorphic species which should be considered a member of the genus Vairimor- pha. To date, no microsporidia have been found in P. inter- punctella in Turkey. Here, we provide the characteristic features and occurrence of a Turkish isolate of Vairimorpha plodiae and present details on the ultrastructure of the spores. Materials and Methods Four hundred and twenty eight P. interpunctella larvae were collected from different stored products such as hazelnut, rice, apricot and fig in Trabzon, Turkey. The larvae were dissected in Ringer’s solution and wet smears of tissue samples were examined under a microscope for identification of pathogens. When an infection was observed, a part of the material was *Corresponding author: muyaman@hotmail.com Unauthenticated Download Date | 5/17/16 5:08 PM