pest control – Page 2

Effect of Rare, Locally Isolated Entomopathogenic Fungi on the Survival of Bactrocera oleae Pupae in Laboratory Soil Conditions

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Researchers tested seventeen types of fungi as natural pest control for the olive fruit fly, a major pest that damages olive crops in Greece. They found that several fungal species, especially Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus contaminans, were highly effective at killing fly pupae in soil conditions. These fungi could offer farmers an eco-friendly alternative to toxic chemical pesticides, helping improve olive oil quality while protecting beneficial insects.

Black mold in the bag room: First case of Arthrocladium tropicale peritonitis in a peritoneal dialysis patient

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An 82-year-old dialysis patient developed an unusual infection caused by a black mold called Arthrocladium tropicale, which had never been documented in humans before. The infection was traced to poor storage conditions and ant infestations near the patient’s dialysis supplies in Thailand during rainy season. Doctors identified the rare fungus using molecular genetic testing and treated it successfully with antifungal medication combined with removal of the dialysis catheter. This case highlights the importance of keeping dialysis equipment in clean, dry environments and preventing pest access to prevent serious infections.

New entomopathogenic species in the Clavicipitaceae family (Hypocreales, Ascomycota) from the subtropical forests of Fujian, China

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Scientists discovered four new or newly recorded fungal species in the forests of Fujian, China that infect insects and could potentially be used for natural pest control. These fungi belong to a family called Clavicipitaceae and were identified using advanced genetic analysis combined with microscopic examination. The findings demonstrate that there is still much to discover about fungal diversity in Chinese subtropical forests, which could help develop more environmentally friendly pest management strategies.

Volatile Semiochemicals Emitted by Beauveria bassiana Modulate Larval Feeding Behavior and Food Choice Preference in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

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Researchers discovered that a beneficial fungus called Beauveria bassiana produces odorous chemicals that can discourage pest insects from eating crops. When certain strains of this fungus release their characteristic smell (particularly a compound called 3-methylbutanol), larvae of the fall armyworm pest eat less and avoid treated plants. Interestingly, the plants themselves respond by producing defensive compounds when exposed to these fungal odors. This finding suggests a new approach to pest control that harnesses the natural chemical communication between fungi, plants, and insects.

Development of Biphasic Culture System for an Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana PfBb Strain and Its Virulence on a Defoliating Moth Phauda flammans (Walker)

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Researchers developed an efficient two-stage fermentation process to mass-produce Beauveria bassiana PfBb, a fungus that kills defoliating moths damaging Ficus trees. The first stage grows the fungus in liquid to produce active spores, which are then transferred to solid substrates to produce hardy, long-lasting conidia. The optimized process produces high quantities of effective fungal spores that can be stored at refrigerator temperature for over a year while maintaining their pest-killing ability.

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

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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.

Advances in submerged liquid fermentation and formulation of entomopathogenic fungi

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This paper reviews how scientists are improving the production of natural fungal pesticides that kill insect pests. Instead of growing fungi on grains in bags, researchers are using large fermentation tanks similar to those used in food and beverage production. These tanks can produce beneficial fungal cells more quickly and efficiently, with better quality control and safety. The paper discusses different types of fungal cells produced, how to make them stable for storage and field use, and how this technology could replace older production methods worldwide.

Enzymatic, cellular breakdown and lysis in treatment of Beauveria brongniartii on Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775)

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Scientists tested a natural fungus called Beauveria brongniartii as a pest control solution for tobacco cutworms (Spodoptera litura), which damage crops. The fungus was highly effective at killing the pest at all life stages, with 98% success against eggs and 96% against larvae. Importantly, the fungus was safe for earthworms and other non-target organisms, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides that harm beneficial species and the soil.

Research Keyword: pest control