Search Results (380)

The appressorium is a specialised infection structure formed by Beauveria bassiana during host invasion. This study used sulforaphane to regulate the formation rate of B. bassiana appressoria, evaluated the correlation between appressorium formation and fungal pathogenicity, and explored its impact on insect cuticular metabolism. The results showed that sulforaphane significantly modulated appressorium formation. Spore suspensions with varying appressorium formation rates were injected into Opisina arenosella and Bombyx mori larvae. As the appressorium formation rate increased, B. bassiana exhibited enhanced pathogenicity, leading to accelerated larval mortality. A significant positive correlation (p ≤ 0.05) was observed between appressorium formation and pathogenicity. LC-MS analysis revealed that, prior to appressorium development, larvae activated defence mechanisms involving secondary metabolites, hormone signalling, and toxin metabolism pathways. Following appressorium formation, 61 unique cuticular compounds were identified, along with activation of host lipid metabolism (notably glycerophospholipid degradation), programmed cell death pathways (ferroptosis, necroptosis), and enhanced energy metabolism via the citric acid cycle—collectively indicating disruption of the epidermal defence barrier. Overall, appressorium development by B. bassiana significantly reshapes the metabolic landscape of the larval cuticle, thereby enhancing fungal virulence. This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of B. bassiana. Full article

Aging in sexually reproducing organisms is shaped by the declining force of natural selection after reproduction begins. In Drosophila melanogaster, experimental evolution shows that altering the age of reproduction shifts the timing of aging. Using the Drosophila experimental evolution population (DEEP) resource, which includes long- and short- lived populations evolved under distinct reproductive schedules, we investigated how immune defense against Beauveria bassiana changes with age and evolved lifespan. We tested survival post-infection at multiple ages and examined genomic differentiation for immune-related genes. Both population types showed age-related declines in immune defense. Long-lived populations consistently exhibited age-specific defense when both long- and short-lived populations were tested. Genomic comparisons revealed thousands of differentiated loci, yet no enrichment for canonical immune genes or overlap with gene sets from studies of direct selection for immunity. These results suggest that enhanced immune defense can evolve alongside extended lifespan, likely via general physiological robustness rather than traditional immune pathways. A more detailed analysis may reveal that selection for lifespan favors tolerance-based mechanisms that reduce infection damage without triggering immune activation, in contrast to direct selection for resistance. Our findings demonstrate the utility of experimentally evolved populations for dissecting the genetic architecture of aging and immune defense to inform strategies to mitigate age-related costs associated with immune activation. Full article

The Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the primary pests affecting buckwheat, and its management has become increasingly critical. Entomopathogenic fungi offer a promising way to solve this problem by providing both pest control and disease resistance, as well as promoting plant growth through endophytic colonization. This study investigated the effects of applying Isaria cateniannulata (Liang) Samson & Hywel-Jones and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. on different buckwheat varieties, and analyzed the physiological indices of buckwheat, the population of T. urticae and Euseius nicholsi (Ehara & Lee). Results showed that the optimum concentration for fungal colonization on buckwheat was 1 × 10⁷ spores/mL. The combined application of I. cateniannulata and B. bassiana significantly enhanced buckwheat growth, with root length, plant height, main stem diameter, fresh weight, and dry weight reaching 63.3 mm, 24.1 cm, 2.1 mm, 2.0 g, and 0.1 g, respectively. The highest escape rate of T. urticae was 76.33%. Furthermore, the combined application of mixed fungal suspension and E. nicholsi had the best control effect on T. urticae, with pest suppression exceeding 97.83% and an oviposition as low as 0.25 eggs per female. This study is the first to demonstrate that the joint application of I. cateniannulata and B. bassiana can promote buckwheat growth and, when combined with predatory mites, effectively control T. urticae. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the development of integrated biocontrol strategies combining entomopathogenic fungi and predatory mites. Full article

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are substantial biocontrol agents reducing the populations of economically important pests in numerous crops. Recent findings indicate that their role in agroecosystems is more complex and extends to affecting plant physiology and growth. This study examined the effects of Beauveria bassiana and Isaria fumosorosea, as well as Salicylic acid (SA), on physiological parameters of grapevine (Vitis vinifera cv. Sauvignon Blanc). Additionally, the impact of SA on spore germination and pathogenicity of EPF against larvae of the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) was tested. Foliar application of EPF was found to increase the electron transport rate (ETR) from PSII to PSI, indicating higher photosynthetic activity compared to control plants. EPF also elevated the transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (gs). In contrast, SA treatments decreased E and gs, while the high dose (10 mM) exhibited reduced Fv/Fm value, accompanied by phytotoxic spots on leaves. Spore germination of both fungi was significantly reduced only by the SA concentration of 2 mM, while 0.5 and 1 mM did not affect germination. Combination EPF and SA treatments presented the highest larval mortality of L. botrana (87.5% at 28 °C and 77.5% at 24 °C for B. bassiana and I. fumosorosea, respectively). However, SA reduced larval mycosis in most cases. Overall, the results suggest that EPF and SA can be co-applied and included in vineyard integrated strategies to support grapevine health. Full article

The increasing frequency of Sargassum spp. blooms represents a global environmental challenge, impacting coastal ecosystems and requiring sustainable management strategies. This study evaluates the potential of Sargassum spp. extract as an encapsulating material for biological pest control, contributing to marine waste valorization. Pelagic Sargassum spp. collected from the Havana coast was processed to obtain an alginate-rich extract, which was used to encapsulate Beauveria bassiana conidia via ionic gelation. FTIR confirmed characteristic carboxylate absorption bands, indicating structural similarities with commercial alginate, while TGA demonstrated comparable thermal behavior. Beads exhibited consistent dimensions (0.5–3 mm) with irregular post-drying shapes. Encapsulation efficiency yielded a conidial concentration of 1.43 × 10⁸ conidia per mL, ensuring retention within the matrix. Long-term viability was confirmed as conidia remained viable and able to grow after six months, potentially benefiting from extract-derived compounds. These findings highlight the potential of repurposing Sargassum spp. for sustainable agricultural applications, advancing environmentally friendly pest management while addressing the ecological burden of excessive Sargassum accumulation. Full article

Heortia vitessoides Moore (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the dominant outbreak defoliator of Aquilaria sinensis (Myrtales: Thymelaeaceae, the agarwood-producing tree), poses a severe threat to the sustainable development of the agarwood industry. Current research has preliminarily revealed its biological traits and gene functions. However, significant gaps persist in integrating climate adaptation mechanisms, control technologies, and host interaction networks across disciplines. This review systematically synthesizes the multidimensional mechanisms underlying H. vitessoides outbreaks through the logical framework of “Fundamental Biology of Outbreaks—Environmental Drivers—Control Strategies—Molecular Regulation—Host Defense.” First, we integrate the biological characteristics of H. vitessoides with its climatic response patterns, elucidating the ecological pathways through which temperature and humidity drive population outbreaks by regulating development duration and host resource availability. Subsequently, we assess the efficacy and limitations of existing control techniques (e.g., pheromone trapping, Beauveria bassiana application), highlighting the critical bottleneck of insufficient mechanistic understanding at the molecular level. Building on this, we delve into the molecular adaptation mechanisms of H. vitessoides. Specifically, detoxification genes (e.g., HvGSTs1) and temperature stress-responsive genes (e.g., HvCAT, HvGP) synergistically enhance stress tolerance, while chemosensory genes mediate mating and host location behaviors. Concurrently, we reveal the host defense strategy of A. sinensis, involving activation of secondary metabolite defenses via the jasmonic acid signaling pathway and emission of volatile organic compounds that attract natural enemies—an “induced resistance–natural enemy collaboration” mechanism. Finally, we propose future research directions: deep integration of gene editing to validate key targets, multi-omics analysis to decipher the host–pest–natural enemy interaction network, and development of climate–gene–population dynamics models. These approaches aim to achieve precision control by bridging molecular mechanisms with environmental regulation. This review not only provides innovative pathways for managing H. vitessoides but also establishes a paradigm for cross-scale research on pests affecting high-value economic forests. Full article

The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), listed among the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species, is notoriously difficult to control due mainly to its formation of large, expansive supercolonies. Despite the drawbacks of chemical control, biological alternatives have not been previously explored for this species. In this study, we evaluated six native entomopathogenic fungal strains against Argentine ants from four behaviorally distinct supercolonies, identified through aggression assays and collected from both urban and natural sites within the species’ native range. Ants were inoculated with 1 × 10⁸ conidia/mL using three methods: topical application, spray, and immersion. Mortality was recorded over 14 days, and the cause of death was confirmed by fungal outgrowth from cadavers. Among all strains, Beauveria bassiana Li053 consistently induced high mortality across all supercolonies and inoculation methods, with LT₅₀ values between 2 and 5 days and final mortality rates exceeding 80%. Fungal infection was confirmed in 87–92% of cadavers. Dose–response assays revealed that higher conidial concentrations accelerated and increased mortality, with an LC50 estimated at 1 × 10⁶ conidia/mL. These results demonstrate that B. bassiana Li053 is a promising candidate for the biological control of L. humile and merits further evaluation under field conditions. Full article

The yellow peach moth (YPM), Conogethes punctiferalis, is an important agricultural insect pest causing severe damage to corn in eastern China. Beauveria bassiana is an effective, eco-friendly, and promising alternative agent for controlling this insect pest. However, insect immunity can limit the ability of fungal infections. In order to understand the immune response mechanism of YPM, a comparative proteomic analysis of non-infected and B. bassiana-infected larvae was conducted using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technique. On the basis of proteomic analysis, 4195 quantifiable proteins were identified from a total of 29,155 peptides. The functions of the identified proteins were annotated in four databases (GO, COG, KEGG, and IPR). A total of 132 immune-related proteins were screened, including 46 pathogen recognition proteins, 27 extracellular signal modulation proteins, and 59 immune effectors. Furthermore, 70 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, including 57 up-regulated proteins and 13 down-regulated proteins. Among these, four DEPs were related to immunity, namely one defense protein and three peptidoglycan recognition proteins. Six randomly selected immune-related proteins associated with target genes were validated for qRT-PCR, and the results indicated that the accuracy and reliability of the proteome sequencing data were high. Taken together, the results enrich the fundamental knowledge of YPM immune responses to B. bassiana infection and provide a new insight into insect−pathogen interactions. Full article

Bradysia difformis Frey (Diptera: Sciaridae) is a fungus gnat that poses a significant threat to greenhouse cultures, and is attracted to soils devoid of peat. Fungal strains from the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Culture (DSMZ), such as Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium flavoviride, Mucor hiemalis, and Niesslia tinuis, as well as Serendipita indica, were screened for entomopathogenic activity against B. difformis and their capacity to colonize Petunia hybrida cv. “Mitchell” and Ocimum basilicum plants. The survival rates of Bradysia difformis (three instar larvae) treated with Metarhizium flavoviride were 45.33% at 14 days following inoculation with 1 × 10⁶ spores/mL of each fungal strain, when compared to others. We concluded that the fungal strain M. flavoviride could serve as an entomopathogenic fungus with the highest virulence against B. difformis larvae. Although M. flavoviride did not show a beneficial effect as an endophyte, interestingly, the strain Niesslia tinuis exhibited plant growth benefits in Petunia hybrida cv. “Mitchell” by enhancing its shoot length up to 13.18 ± 0.72 cm, whereas the control treatment had a shoot length up to 10.68 ± 0.39. Enzymatic assays confirmed the ability of M. flavoviride to produce cuticle-degrading enzymes such as chitinase and protease. Together, these findings highlight the potential of EMPF—particularly M. flavoviride—as a sustainable biocontrol tool well-suited for peat-free horticultural systems, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides where fungus gnat pressure is typically high. Full article

Chemical control using synthetic insecticides is the most widely used method for controlling the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the application of insecticides is not a long-term or sustainable solution. Biological control is an important pillar of integrated pest management, and entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) are becoming increasingly important as biocontrol agents. However, no EPF biopesticides have been registered in South Africa for the control of S. frugiperda. Few studies have been conducted on the efficacy of commercial formulations of biopesticides against all S. frugiperda life stages. The objective of this study was, therefore, to assess the potential of two Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and two Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) based commercial biopesticides registered in South Africa against other pests, for their efficacy against S. frugiperda. The effects of these EPF formulations were evaluated on larval and prepupal mortality, moth emergence, fecundity, and longevity of the emerged moths. The results indicated that S. frugiperda second- and sixth-instar larvae were not susceptible to the biopesticides. Moth emergence, fecundity, and longevity were not significantly affected. However, prepupae were susceptible to both Metarhizium formulations, with Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 78 resulting in the highest mortality (56.7%). This biopesticide holds potential for the management of S. frugiperda when applied to the soil for the control of pupating larvae. Full article

(1) Background: The larvae of Dioryctria sylvestrella typically bore into the shoots and cones of Pinus koraiensis, increasing tree breakage risk and reducing cone yield. (2) Methods: Five Beauveria bassiana strains were evaluated for virulence against fourth-instar larvae. And the levels of T-AOC and MDA in the larvae infected by each strain were measured. To assess larval responses to different strains, we measured the activities of six enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD, PPO, CarE, GST) and the levels of GSH and H₂O₂ in larvae treated with each strain. Additionally, the infection process of highly pathogenic B. bassiana in larvae was explored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (3) Results: Strain CGMCC3.2055 demonstrated the highest toxicity to larvae, achieving a cumulative corrected mortality of 80.56% on the 4th day and an LT₅₀ of 3.248 days. The T-AOC of larvae treated with strain CGMCC3.2055 was inhibited within 48 h. The relative MDA content in this group was significantly higher than that in other strain-treated groups at 6, 12, and 24 h. In Bb01-treated larvae, H₂O₂ accumulation at 6 and 24 h post-infection was influenced by POD activity rather than GSH levels; in BbZ1-treated larvae, the activities of CAT and POD were upregulated at 6 and 36 h, while the activity of SOD was downregulated, but the content of H₂O₂ increased significantly, resulting in accumulation; in CFCC81428-treated larvae, a decline in T-AOC coincided with substantial H₂O₂ accumulation over 48 h, while a concomitant increase in GSH content bolstered tolerance to lethal oxidative damage; in CGMCC3.2055-treated larvae, H₂O₂ only accumulated significantly at 24 and 48 h, yet upregulated CAT and POD were insufficient to effectively scavenge the excess H₂O₂; and in bio-21738-treated larvae, SOD-driven dismutation generated substantial H₂O₂ from 12 to 48 h, leading to pronounced accumulation from 6 to 48 h, yet limited upregulation of POD (only at 6 and 12 h) and CAT (only at 12 and 48 h) were insufficient to mitigate H₂O₂ buildup. PPO activity was upregulated within 48 h in all treatment groups except for BbZ1, where no upregulation was observed at 12 and 48 h. GST activity was upregulated in all treatment groups except for CGMCC3.2055, where a downregulation was observed at 12 h post-infection. CarE activity was significantly upregulated within 48 h in both CFCC81428 and CGMCC3.2055 groups; in the Bb01 group, CarE was upregulated only at 6 and 48 h; in the BbZ1 group, CarE was downregulated only at 48 h; and in the bio-21738 group, CarE showed no upregulation at 24 and 48 h. Through SEM, the infection process of the strain CGMCC3.2055 on the surface of the larvae was further determined, which mainly included adhesion, the appearance of bud-like protrusions, the growth of germ tubes along the epidermis and penetration of the epidermis, as well as the colonization of the strain and its emergence from the surface of the larvae. (4) Conclusions: This study first screened the highly pathogenic B. bassiana strain CGMCC3.2055 by evaluating its virulence to larvae and post-infection T-AOC and MDA levels. It also clarified the strain’s infection process and the larvae’s immune responses to various strains. Full article

Entomopathogenic fungi are a group of fungi that infect and kill insects to obtain nutrients, thereby contributing to the natural regulation of insect populations. In recent years, they have been increasingly utilized as biological control agents, particularly in response to the rising prevalence of pesticide-resistant pests in agricultural systems. Representative examples include Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, which are regarded as natural enemies of pests in agroecosystems. Since the first report of Korean oak wilt disease in 2004, the disease has continuously spread across the country and causes severe damage to deciduous oak species, especially Quercus mongolica. Although many efforts have been made to effectively control the disease, including chemical treatments, the control efficacy was shown to be low, and given the environmental side effects arising from the use of insecticides, there has been a demand for alternative control strategies. Integrated Pest Management in forests promotes ecological sustainability by reducing chemical pesticide use, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing long-term forest health. In this study, to mitigate issues with disease management strategies, assessments were made on three entomopathogenic fungi, B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, and Purpureocillium lilacinum, as potential biological control agents against oak wilt disease and its insect vector, Platypus koryoensis. In this regard, we investigated the insecticidal efficacy and LT₅₀ of each entomopathogenic fungus, and the results showed that all three entomopathogenic fungal strains exhibited fast insecticidal effects against the insect vector, P. koryoensis, with M. anisopliae showing the fastest action, recording a lethal time to 50% mortality (LT₅₀) of 58.7 h. The spores of M. anisopliae were found to be sensitive to high temperatures, while demonstrating a relatively high germination rate under UV exposure and strong initial germination ability at low temperatures. Full article

In the search for new alternatives for controlling parasitic agents, proteases from Beauveria bassiana stand out. The aim of this study was to evaluate in silico and in vitro the ovicidal potential of B. bassiana proteases on Eurytrema pancreaticum Janson, 1889 (Dicrocoeliidae) eggs. Beauveria bassiana Bals. -Criv., 1835 (Cordycipitaceae) (IP 361) was cultivated for enzymatic production. Proteins were precipitated with acetone (1:4 ratio), and specific activity was determined. Protease profiles were assessed via zymography, and inhibition by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was tested. Three-dimensional models of the proteases were generated. Eurytrema pancreaticum eggs were used for the in vitro anthelmintic evaluation of the proteases. The results showed that precipitation significantly concentrated proteolytic activity (p < 0.01) compared to the crude extract. However, no chitinase activity was detected. The proteolytic profile of the precipitate revealed five bands with molecular weights from 25.6 to 66.9 kDa. In the in vitro tests, the proteases significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the number of intact E. pancreaticum eggs by 53% compared to the control with denatured enzymes. These findings highlight the ovicidal potential of B. bassiana proteases, though further studies are needed to confirm their application in parasite control. Full article

The striped flea beetle (SFB), Phyllotreta striolata, is a significant pest of cruciferous crops. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) hold great promise for the integrated pest management (IPM) of the SFB. However, the lack of understanding of the different interactions between the SFB and EPF restricts the development of mycoinsecticides. This study aims to elucidate the interaction performance of the SFB with three EPF—Beauveria bassiana BbPs01 (Bb), Metarhizium robertsii MrCb01 (Mr), and Cordyceps javanica IjH6102 (Cj). The bioassay results indicated that the virulences of EPF to the SFB adults were recorded as Bb > Mr > Cj. Then, the EPF with distinct infection pathways were observed, in which Bb penetrated the SFB cuticle via germ-tubes and appressoria, Mr typically invaded using appressoria, while Cj employed germ-tubes. Moreover, the SFB with different symptoms following infection by the EPF species were recorded. Bb primarily caused SFB adults to lose their appetite, become sluggish, and die rapidly. In contrast, SFB adults infected with Mr often experienced shivering, uncoordinated movement, and slower death. Cj-infected larvae frequently displayed dendrite-like melanization originating from the spiracles, while infected adults exhibited weak shivering and slow death, which seems similar to Mr. Our findings provide novel insights into the interactions between EPF and insects and offer valuable materials for enhancing the application of mycoinsecticides in the control of the SFB. Full article

The whitefly is among the main pests of crops, especially solanaceous and cucurbitaceous plants. The massive use of pesticides for its control has led to an increase in the pest’s resistance to different groups of insecticides and to environmental contamination. The use of biopesticides for its control is a sustainable alternative for the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of two biopesticides based on entomopathogenic fungi against eggs, nymphs, and adults of whitefly in eggplant in a greenhouse. The treatments consisted of Cordyceps javanica, Beauveria bassiana, a commercial insecticide (i.e., Spirotetramat), and a control (no application). A completely randomized design was used with 16 repetitions per treatment, and the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test was applied. Mortality was recorded on five dates after application (DAA). The sampling data were transformed to efficiency (%). The biopesticides were found to be effective in controlling whiteflies in all developmental stages during the evaluation days. Full article