Fungal Species:  Beauveria bassiana

Insecticidal Action of Local Isolates of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Bactrocera oleae Pupae

Olive farmers in Mediterranean countries struggle with the olive fruit fly, which damages olives and reduces oil production. Researchers tested special fungi that naturally infect and kill insects to see if they could control this pest at the soil stage when fly pupae are developing underground. Several fungal species, especially Beauveria bassiana, were effective at reducing survival of emerged adult flies by about 40% compared to untreated flies. This offers a promising natural alternative to chemical pesticides that can harm olive oil quality and lose effectiveness over time.

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

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.

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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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Advances in submerged liquid fermentation and formulation of entomopathogenic fungi

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.

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Identification, characterization, antimicrobial activity and biocontrol potential of four endophytic fungi isolated from Amazonian plants

Scientists isolated four types of fungi living inside the leaves of medicinal plants from the Amazon region of Bolivia. These fungi produce natural compounds that kill harmful bacteria and fungi that damage potato crops. The findings show promise for developing natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides and antibiotics for agricultural and medical applications.

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Chemical Constituents Identified from Fruit Body of Cordyceps Bassiana and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity

This research identified the key compounds in the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps bassiana that give it anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists isolated eight different compounds and found that one in particular – 1,9-dimethylguanine – was primarily responsible for reducing inflammation. This discovery helps explain why this mushroom has been used traditionally in Asian medicine for various inflammatory conditions. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to new natural treatments for inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis • Validates traditional medicinal uses of this mushroom species • May help develop new anti-inflammatory supplements or medications • Provides scientific evidence for using natural mushroom products • Could benefit people seeking natural alternatives to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs

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Three-dimensional visualization and a deep-learning model reveal complex fungal parasite networks in behaviorally manipulated ants

This research reveals how a parasitic fungus takes control of carpenter ants by creating complex networks throughout the ant’s body, but surprisingly not in the brain. Using advanced microscopy and artificial intelligence, scientists discovered that the fungus forms interconnected cellular networks that surround the ant’s muscles, potentially allowing the fungus to coordinate its attack and share resources. This finding changes our understanding of how parasites can control host behavior. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides new insights into how parasites can control host behavior, which could help develop treatments for parasitic infections • Demonstrates novel applications of artificial intelligence in biological research • Advances our understanding of how organisms can work collectively to achieve complex tasks • Could lead to new strategies for pest control in agriculture • Helps explain natural phenomena that people might observe in their environment, such as infected ants attached to vegetation

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Cryptic Diversity and Virulence of Beauveria bassiana Recovered from Lycorma delicatula (Spotted Lanternfly) in Eastern Pennsylvania

This research investigates how naturally occurring fungi can help control the invasive spotted lanternfly, which threatens agriculture in the United States. Scientists discovered that different strains of a fungus called Beauveria bassiana can effectively kill these pests, with some strains working better than others. This natural approach could provide an environmentally friendly way to manage this destructive insect. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides a potential natural solution for controlling spotted lanternfly infestations in gardens and farms – Could help protect grape vines and other valuable crops from damage – Offers an alternative to chemical pesticides for pest control – May help reduce the spread of invasive spotted lanternflies in affected regions – Could lead to development of more effective biological control products

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Entomopathogenicity and Biological Attributes of Himalayan Treasured Fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Yarsagumba)

Ophiocordyceps sinensis, known as the caterpillar fungus, is a remarkable organism that parasitizes moth larvae in the Himalayas and produces numerous compounds with medicinal properties. This fungus has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and continues to reveal new potential therapeutic applications through modern research. Impact on everyday life: – Provides natural alternatives for treating various conditions including fatigue, respiratory issues, and immune disorders – Offers potential new drug development opportunities for modern medicine – Serves as a significant source of income for local Himalayan communities – Demonstrates natural pest control mechanisms that could inform agricultural practices – Highlights the importance of sustainable harvesting practices for preserving natural resources

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Fungal Endophyte Bioinoculants as a Green Alternative Towards Sustainable Agriculture

This research explores how beneficial fungi living inside plants (endophytes) can be used as natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture. These fungi help plants grow better and stay healthy by providing nutrients, protecting against diseases, and helping plants cope with environmental stress. Impacts on everyday life: • More sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices • Safer food production with reduced chemical inputs • Better crop yields to help feed growing populations • Natural plant protection against diseases and environmental stress • Potential reduction in agricultural costs for farmers

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