Bacillus and Stenotrophomonas- The Predominant Culturable Endosymbiotic Bacterial Genus in Paracaccus marginatus

The papaya mealybug being polyphagous in nature, adapted to a large number of host plants. The secondary endosymbiotic profile of mealybugs are specific to their host plants. The culturable endosymbiotic bacteria of papaya mealybug from five different host plants (papaya, brinjal, mulberry, congress grass and tapioca) were isolated in Luria Bertani agar and Nutrient Agar medium. Gram staining, biochemical characterization and molecular identification of isolates were carried out. Molecular identification of the isolates resulted that the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus cluasii and the gram-negative bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia are the two secondary culturable endosymbionts that are commonly found in PMB from all five selected host plants. Revealing the role of these endosymbionts may pave way in identifying a novel strategy for managing papaya mealybug.