Morphological and Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Three New Species of Entomopathogenic Fungi Belonging to Clavicipitaceae (Hypocreales, Ascomycota)

This research discovered three new species of fungi in China that naturally infect and kill pest insects like whiteflies and scale insects. These findings are significant because: Bullet points of everyday impact: – These fungi could be developed into natural pesticides that are safer for the environment than chemical pesticides – The fungi may produce compounds useful for developing new medicines or other beneficial products – Understanding fungal biodiversity helps protect natural ecosystems and agricultural systems – This research advances our ability to control agricultural pests without harmful chemicals