A newly published study reports the discovery of a Pseudomonas bacterium with strong insecticidal effects against the cabbage root fly (Delia radicum), one of the most destructive pests of brassica crops. The bacterium was isolated directly from dead D. radicum larvae found in naturally suppressive agricultural soil, where larval survival is known to be unusually low.
The research team isolated multiple bacterial strains from larvae exposed to suppressive soil and tested their insecticidal activity in controlled laboratory bioassays. Among the isolates, a Pseudomonas strain significantly reduced both larval survival and pupation rates compared with untreated controls and other bacterial isolates.
To evaluate real-world potential, the researchers conducted a greenhouse experiment by applying the bacterium to soil growing Brassica oleracea plants. At an application rate of 10¹⁰ CFU per kilogram of soil, the Pseudomonas strain produced a substantial reduction in D. radicum survival without negatively affecting plant growth, seed germination, or biomass.
The findings indicate that this Pseudomonas isolate could function as a new biological control agent, especially in systems where soil microbial communities naturally suppress pest insects. The authors emphasize that its insecticidal performance should be compared with other Pseudomonas strains and tested further under both greenhouse and field conditions to understand its full potential in integrated pest management.
Reference
Wantulla, M., Dicke, M. & van Loon, J.J.A. Insecticidal activity of a Pseudomonas sp. isolated from cabbage root fly (Delia radicum L.) larvae exposed to D. radicum-suppressive soil. BioControl (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-025-10364-8
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