Zhaofeng Zhan, Raufa Batool, Xiuping Wang, Hailiang Han, Yeeyee Myint, Zhenying Wang, Yongjun Zhang, Jingfei Guo.Graphene oxide enhances the dual role of Beauveria bassiana in biocontrol of the Asian corn borer and promotion of the maize seedling growth under field conditions.
Chemical Engineering Journal，2026.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2026.173004
Abstract
The burgeoning demand for sustainable pest control has driven the integration of nanotechnology with biocontrol agents. This study explores the use of graphene oxide (GO) as a nanocarrier to enhance the efficacy ofBeauveria bassiana(Bb) againstOstrinia furnacalis(Asian corn borer, ACB), while concurrently enhancing the maize growth. GO-Bb nanocomposite at a concentration ratio of 4:1 demonstrated remarkable improvements in the thermal stability and ultraviolet resilience of Bb. At a concentration of 20μg/mL, 61.4% spore germination rate was observed at 40°C. Furthermore, the 37.2% of inactivation rate of Bb spores was recorded which was significantly higher than the Bb spores protected with 20μg/mL GO (25.2 and 24.6%) following exposure to ultraviolet radiation for 4 and 6h, respectively. The colonization rate of Bb in maize increased to 100% at 14- and 83.33% at 21days after emergence. Field experiments revealed that GO-Bb nanocomposite significantly reduced the ACB damage on maize plants 28days after germination. Uptake of the GO-Bb nanocomposite activated phytohormone signaling pathways and boosted insect-resistance. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis of DEG revealed the upregulation of an abscisic acid-responsive gene,ABR1, following GO-Bb treatment at 12h post ACB infestation. ACB damage over 24h can lead to higher concentrations of DIMBOA-Glc, HDMBOA-Glc, MBOA, HM2BOA-Glc, and DIM2BOA-Glc in the GO-Bb treatment than CK and Bb. Additionally, the GO-Bb treatment significantly upregulated the gene expression ofBX10, a marker gene associated with BX-regulated defense, even in the absence of ACB damage. These findings underscore the dual benefits of GO-Bb nanocomposite. It has the capability to integrate pest management with the promotion of plant growth synergistically. By enhancing Bb's pathogenicity and activating maize's defense pathways, it offers a sustainable alternative for integrated pest management. Future research should explore its extensive applications within crop protection and sustainable agriculture.
Chemical Engineering Journal，IF=13.2
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894726004638?via%3Dihub