entomopathogenic fungi – 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 found in Greek olive groves to see if they could kill olive fruit flies, which damage about 30% of olive crops. They applied the fungi to fly pupae in soil and without soil, then tracked how many flies died and how much fungal growth appeared. Several fungi types, especially Aspergillus flavus and A. keveii, were very effective at killing the flies and could potentially replace harmful chemical pesticides used in olive farming.

Overview of hirsutella-like anamorphs in Ophiocordyceps (Sordariomycetes, Ophiocordycipitaceae): introducing two new species and one new record from China

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Scientists discovered and described two new species of parasitic fungi that infect insect larvae in China. These fungi, belonging to the Ophiocordyceps genus, have special asexual reproductive structures called hirsutella-like anamorphs. The research provides a comprehensive catalog of all known Ophiocordyceps species with these structures and how they differ from each other based on their shape and size.

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.

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.

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

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Scientists studied a fungal protein called BbStp13 that helps a beneficial fungus called Beauveria bassiana attack insect pests. When this protein was removed, the fungus produced fewer spores and couldn’t infect insects as effectively, especially when sugar was scarce. The protein also helps the fungus protect itself from the insect’s immune system. Understanding this protein could help make the fungus better at pest control.

The Impact of Insecticides on Mycelial Growth of Metarhizium spp. and Their Efficacy in Controlling Larvae and Pupae of the House Fly (Musca domestica L.)

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Researchers tested special fungi (Metarhizium spp.) as a natural way to control house flies, which spread diseases and are becoming resistant to common pesticides. They found that two fungal strains were very effective at killing fly larvae and pupae, and these fungi could still grow well when combined with certain insecticides. This means farmers and pest control professionals could use these fungi together with specific pesticides as part of a more sustainable approach to controlling house flies without relying solely on chemicals.

Unveiling mycoviral diversity in Ophiocordyceps sinensis through transcriptome analyses

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Chinese cordyceps (a valuable fungus used in traditional medicine) contains multiple viruses that researchers discovered through genetic analysis. Scientists found 13 different viruses living together in the cordyceps, with 9 being newly discovered. These viruses may affect how the fungus grows and develops, which could have implications for cultivating cordyceps artificially and understanding its unique biology.

Fatal Pneumonia Caused by Beauveria bassiana in a Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii, Garman, 1880) on the Portuguese Coast: Case Report and Review of Beauveria spp. Infections in Reptiles

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A young Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, one of the world’s most endangered turtle species, was found off the coast of Portugal and brought to a rehabilitation center. Despite intensive care, the turtle died after 11 days due to a severe fungal lung infection caused by Beauveria bassiana, a fungus that normally infects insects. This case highlights how endangered animals in poor health are vulnerable to opportunistic infections and emphasizes the importance of including fungal disease screening in wildlife rehabilitation programs.

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

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This study tested different types of beneficial fungi to control olive fruit flies, which are major pests in Mediterranean olive groves. Researchers found that several fungi species, particularly those from the Aspergillus genus, can effectively kill olive fly pupae when applied to soil. The results suggest these fungi could be developed into biological pesticides to protect olive crops without harmful chemical insecticides.

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.

Research Topic: entomopathogenic fungi