Research Keyword: Entomopathogenic fungus

Light-responsive transcription factor CmOzf integrates conidiation, fruiting body development, and secondary metabolism in Cordyceps militaris

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Scientists studied a medicinal fungus called Cordyceps militaris and discovered that a protein called CmOzf acts as a master controller of several important processes. When light shines on the fungus, it activates CmOzf, which helps the fungus produce spores for reproduction through a specific genetic pathway. Interestingly, when CmOzf is blocked, the fungus produces fewer spores but makes more pigments and beneficial compounds. This discovery could help improve the production of medicinal compounds from this fungus and its use as a natural pest control agent.

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Microsclerotia formation of the biocontrol fungus Cordyceps javanica IF-1106 and evaluation of its stress tolerance and pathogenicity

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Researchers studied a fungus called Cordyceps javanica that can be used to control harmful soil nematodes that damage crop roots. The fungus produces special dormant structures called microsclerotia that can survive extreme heat and UV radiation for extended periods. These microsclerotia showed excellent effectiveness at controlling root-knot nematodes on cucumber plants while also promoting plant growth, making them a promising natural alternative to chemical pesticides.

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Essential role of sugar transporters BbStp13 in fungal virulence, conidiation, and cell wall integrity in entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana

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Researchers studied a fungus called Beauveria bassiana that is used to control insect pests. They found that a protein called BbStp13, which helps the fungus absorb sugars, is crucial for the fungus to infect insects effectively and make spores for spreading. When they removed this protein, the fungus became less dangerous to pests and couldn’t reproduce as well, especially when there wasn’t much food available. These findings could help make this natural pest control method even better.

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Microcycle Conidia Production in an Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana: The Role of Chitin Deacetylase in the Conidiation and the Contribution of Nanocoating in Conidial Stability

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This study explores how to produce more fungal spores from Beauveria bassiana, a natural pest control organism, through a process called microcycle conidiation. Scientists found that a specific enzyme, chitin deacetylase, plays a crucial role in this process. They also discovered that coating these spores with nanoparticles made them more resistant to heat and UV light, making them more effective for field application against insect pests like leaf caterpillars. The nanocoated spores maintained their ability to kill pests while being more stable in harsh environmental conditions.

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Chalkbrood Disease Caused by Ascosphaera apis in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)—Morphological and Histological Changes in Infected Larvae

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Chalkbrood is a serious fungal disease that kills honeybee larvae, caused by the fungus Ascosphaera apis. This study examined exactly how the infection progresses by infecting larvae in controlled laboratory conditions and observing them over time under a microscope. The researchers found that once infected, larvae die very quickly within 3-7 days as the fungus spreads throughout their bodies, and the fungus continues to grow even after the larvae are dead, eventually forming visible spores on the dead larvae that spread the disease to other bees in the colony.

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