Fungal Species:  Purpureocillium lilacinum

Two new Cordyceps-like species, Perennicordyceps zongqii sp. nov. (Polycephalomycetaceae) and Purpureocillium zongqii sp. nov. (Ophiocordycipitaceae), in Hypocreales from karst region of China

Scientists discovered two new types of specialized fungi in the karst regions of China that infect insects and live in soil. These fungi, named Perennicordyceps zongqii and Purpureocillium zongqii, were identified using genetic analysis and microscopic examination. The findings highlight how special cave and valley environments in karst regions support unique fungal species that haven’t been previously documented in these areas.

Read More »

Revealing the metabolic potential and environmental adaptation of nematophagous fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum, derived from hadal sediment

Scientists discovered a special fungus living in the deepest part of the ocean (Mariana Trench) that can survive extreme pressure and produce compounds with disease-fighting properties. This fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum, showed promise against bacteria, cancer cells, and parasitic worms. The research revealed how this fungus adapts to survive in one of Earth’s most extreme environments, potentially opening new sources for developing medicines and biological pest control.

Read More »

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

Researchers tested seventeen types of fungi that infect insects to see if they could control the olive fruit fly, a major pest in Greece that damages olive crops. Using fungi from local Greek soil samples, they exposed young olive fruit flies to different fungal treatments both in soil and without soil. Some fungi, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus keveii, were highly effective at killing the flies and preventing them from reproducing normally. These results suggest that using these naturally occurring fungi could be a safer alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting olive groves.

Read More »

Submerged Fermentation of Rhizopus sp. for l-asparaginase Production in Lymphoma Therapy

Researchers developed a new way to produce an anti-cancer enzyme called L-asparaginase using a fungus called Rhizopus, which could offer a safer alternative to current bacterial sources. They designed and tested a special bioreactor system that allows the fungus to grow as a biofilm, significantly increasing enzyme production. The system achieved enzyme activity levels much higher than previous laboratory methods, suggesting it could be scaled up for industrial pharmaceutical production.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

A Novel Fungal Metabolite Inhibits Plasmodium falciparum Transmission and Infection

Scientists have discovered a new compound from a soil fungus that could help fight malaria in two important ways. This compound, called pulixin, not only prevents malaria parasites from infecting mosquitoes (stopping disease spread) but also kills the parasites in blood cells (treating the disease). This is particularly exciting because it works differently from existing malaria drugs and could help address the growing problem of drug resistance. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to new malaria treatments that work better than current drugs • May help reduce malaria transmission in communities through novel spray applications • Demonstrates the potential of natural compounds from fungi as sources of new medicines • Could help combat the growing problem of drug-resistant malaria • May provide a safer alternative to current antimalarial drugs with fewer side effects

Read More »

Microbes vs. Nematodes: Insights into Biocontrol Through Antagonistic Organisms to Control Root-Knot Nematodes

This research explores natural and environmentally friendly ways to control harmful root-knot nematodes that damage crops worldwide. Instead of using chemical pesticides, the study examines how beneficial microorganisms and plant extracts can protect plants from these destructive pests. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps farmers produce healthier crops without harmful chemicals • Contributes to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture • Supports food security by protecting crops from damaging pests • Reduces chemical residues in food products • Provides cost-effective alternatives for small-scale farmers

Read More »
Scroll to Top