biological pest control

Characterization and Virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) Isolates from Ecologically Distinct Soils Against Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

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This study identified five native fungal strains (Metarhizium anisopliae) from Taiwanese soils that can kill the tobacco caterpillar pest (Spodoptera litura). The most effective strain, PT-01, showed strong ability to infect and kill caterpillar larvae, particularly at early life stages. The research demonstrates that these fungi could be developed into environmentally-friendly pest control alternatives to chemical pesticides, protecting crops while maintaining ecosystem health.

A mycovirus enhances fitness of an insect pathogenic fungus and potentially modulates virulence through interactions between viral and host proteins

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Scientists discovered a virus that infects a beneficial fungus used to control insect pests. Instead of harming the fungus, this virus makes it much better at its job by doubling spore production, helping it survive harsh conditions like UV radiation and heat, and making it more deadly to target insects. The improvement comes from specific interactions between viral and fungal proteins that work together to enhance the fungus’s natural pest-killing abilities.

Bioprospecting of four Beauveria bassiana strains and their potential as biological control agents for Anastrepha ludens Loew 1873 (Diptera: Tephritidae)

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Scientists in Mexico tested four native strains of a fungus called Beauveria bassiana to see if they could control the Mexican fruit fly, which damages mango and orange crops. The fungal strains were highly effective, killing over 80% of the fruit flies in laboratory tests. The results suggest that using fungi naturally found in the region could be a more effective and environmentally friendly way to protect fruit crops compared to traditional pesticides.

A mycovirus enhances fitness of an insect pathogenic fungus and potentially modulates virulence through interactions between viral and host proteins

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered a virus that infects Beauveria bassiana, a fungus used to control pests naturally. This virus actually helps the fungus by making it produce more spores, survive harsh conditions like sunlight and heat, and kill target insects faster. The virus does this by interacting with specific fungal proteins that control reproduction, stress response, and virulence. This discovery could lead to better biological pest control products that are more effective and reliable than current options.

The Last of Them: Entomopathogenic Effect of Akanthomyces muscarius on the Scale Insect Pest Toumeyella parvicornis Under Laboratory Conditions, a Potential Biological Control Candidate

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Scientists tested a fungus called Akanthomyces muscarius as a natural way to control an invasive pest called the tortoise scale insect that damages stone pine trees in Europe. In laboratory experiments, the fungus effectively infected and killed these insects, showing much better results than commercial fungal products. This research suggests the fungus could be used as an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting pine trees in urban areas.

Isolation, Identification, Biological Characterization, and Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic Fungus from the Larvae of the Evergestis extimalis (Scopoli) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

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Researchers discovered a naturally occurring fungus called Mucor hiemalis that can kill Evergestis extimalis, a pest that damages rapeseed crops. They identified optimal growing conditions for this fungus and tested its effectiveness against different life stages of the pest. The fungus proved highly effective, especially against younger larvae, offering a promising natural alternative to chemical pesticides for crop protection.

Research Keyword: biological pest control

Characterization and Virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) Isolates from Ecologically Distinct Soils Against Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

A mycovirus enhances fitness of an insect pathogenic fungus and potentially modulates virulence through interactions between viral and host proteins

Bioprospecting of four Beauveria bassiana strains and their potential as biological control agents for Anastrepha ludens Loew 1873 (Diptera: Tephritidae)

A mycovirus enhances fitness of an insect pathogenic fungus and potentially modulates virulence through interactions between viral and host proteins

The Last of Them: Entomopathogenic Effect of Akanthomyces muscarius on the Scale Insect Pest Toumeyella parvicornis Under Laboratory Conditions, a Potential Biological Control Candidate

Isolation, Identification, Biological Characterization, and Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic Fungus from the Larvae of the Evergestis extimalis (Scopoli) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)