Disease: insect pest infestations

Xenorhabdus spp.: An Overview of the Useful Facets of Mutualistic Bacteria of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Xenorhabdus bacteria are tiny organisms that naturally live inside microscopic worms used for pest control. These bacteria produce powerful substances that can kill harmful insects, fungi, and plant-damaging worms without using toxic chemical pesticides. Scientists are discovering new types of these bacteria and their compounds, which could help create safer products for farming and disease control. This research shows these beneficial microbes could replace harmful chemicals in agriculture.

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Advanced fermentation techniques enhance dioxolanone type biopesticide production from Phyllosticta capitalensis

Researchers discovered that special fermentation techniques can significantly boost the production of natural pesticides from a beneficial fungus called Phyllosticta capitalensis. By using materials like glass wool during fermentation, they increased the production of specific bioactive compounds. The resulting extracts showed excellent effectiveness against garden pests like aphids and harmful nematodes, offering a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides for sustainable agriculture.

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A mycovirus shaped insect-pathogenic and non-pathogenic phenotypes in a fungal biocontrol agent

Scientists discovered that a virus living inside a beneficial fungus is responsible for the fungus’s ability to kill insect pests. When they removed the virus, the fungus completely lost its ability to penetrate and infect insects through their skin, but could still cause infection if injected directly into the insect’s body. This finding suggests that the virus controls a key enzyme needed for the fungus to break through the insect’s protective outer layer, opening new possibilities for creating more effective biological pest control agents.

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UV-Induced Mutants of Metarhizium anisopliae: Improved Biological Parameters, Resistance to Stressful Factors, and Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis

Scientists used UV light to create improved mutant strains of a fungus that naturally kills insect pests. The best mutant strain showed increased ability to survive harsh environmental conditions like heat and oxidative stress, while becoming more effective at infecting target pest insects. This improvement makes the fungus more practical for use as a natural pesticide in fields exposed to sunlight. Gene analysis revealed the mutant fungi enhanced certain protective proteins while reducing reliance on traditional antioxidant systems.

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Development of Mycoinsecticides: Advances in Formulation, Regulatory Challenges and Market Trends for Entomopathogenic Fungi

This review explores fungal-based insecticides as environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pest control. These products use naturally occurring fungi that infect and kill insects through direct contact, making them effective against many crop pests. The review covers different formulation types, product development challenges, and regulatory approval processes in major markets worldwide.

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