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Search Results (493)

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Keywords = entomopathogenic fungi

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23 pages, 2428 KiB  
Review
Cabbage Stink Bug (Eurydema ventralis Kolenati, 1846) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)—An Increasingly Important Pest in Europe
by Sergeja Adamič Zamljen, Tanja Bohinc and Stanislav Trdan
Agriculture 2025, 15(16), 1779; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15161779 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
Eurydema ventralis Kolenati, 1846 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), commonly known as the cabbage stink bug, is an increasingly important pest in Brassicaceae crops across Europe, including Slovenia. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the taxonomy, biology, distribution, and economic impact of [...] Read more.
Eurydema ventralis Kolenati, 1846 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), commonly known as the cabbage stink bug, is an increasingly important pest in Brassicaceae crops across Europe, including Slovenia. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the taxonomy, biology, distribution, and economic impact of Eurydema ventralis, with a focus on cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) cultivation. Various monitoring and population assessment methods are discussed as foundational tools for implementing integrated pest management (IPM). The focus of this study is on the available control strategies, including chemical, biological, cultural, and mechanical approaches. While synthetic insecticides remain a commonly used option, their environmental impact, potential for resistance development, and non-target effects raise concerns. Increasing research attention is being given to biological control agents, such as egg parasitoids, generalist predators (e.g., Coccinellidae, Carabidae, Nabidae), and entomopathogenic fungi. These agents show considerable promise but are not being fully utilized at present. A further review of cultural practices and mechanical control methods is also undertaken for their role in reducing pest populations. The compatibility of different strategies within an IPM framework is examined in detail. In conclusion, this review identifies existing knowledge gaps and puts forward a number of recommendations for future research directions. The purpose of these recommendations is to support the development of more sustainable and ecological pest management solutions for E. ventralis in cabbage cultivation. Full article
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20 pages, 4054 KiB  
Article
Genomic Insights into the Molecular Basis of Broad Host Adaptability of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Conidiobolus coronatus (Entomophthoromycotina)
by Fan Bai, Tian Yang, Lvhao Zhang, Jiaqi Yang, Xinyu Chen and Xiang Zhou
J. Fungi 2025, 11(8), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11080600 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
Conidiobolus coronatus (Entomophthorales), a fungal pathogen with a broad insect host range, is a promising candidate for biocontrol applications. We sequenced a C. coronatus strain isolated from a Rhopalomyia sp. cadaver using PacBio long-read sequencing to elucidate the molecular basis of its wide [...] Read more.
Conidiobolus coronatus (Entomophthorales), a fungal pathogen with a broad insect host range, is a promising candidate for biocontrol applications. We sequenced a C. coronatus strain isolated from a Rhopalomyia sp. cadaver using PacBio long-read sequencing to elucidate the molecular basis of its wide host adaptability. The newly assembled 44.21 Mb genome exhibits high completeness (BUSCO score: 93.45%) and encodes 11,128 protein-coding genes, with 23.1% predicted to mediate pathogen–host interactions. Comparative genomics with the aphid-obligate pathogen C. obscurus revealed significant expansions in gene families associated with host adaptation mechanisms, including host recognition, transcriptional regulation, degradation of host components, detoxification, and immune evasion. Functional annotation highlighted enrichment in cellular component organization and energy metabolism. Pfam annotation identified one hundred twenty-five seven-transmembrane receptors (putative GPCRs), sixty-seven fungus-specific transcription factors, three hundred sixty-one peptidases (one hundred ninety-eight serine proteases and one hundred three metalloproteases), one hundred twenty-seven cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s), thirty-five cysteine-rich secretory proteins, and fifty-five tyrosinases. Additionally, four hundred thirty carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) across six major modules were characterized. Untargeted metabolomics detected 22 highly expressed terpenoids, consistent with terpenoid biosynthesis gene clusters in the genome. Collectively, these expansions underpin the broad host range of C. coronatus by enabling cross-host signal decoding and gene expression reprogramming, breaching diverse host physicochemical barriers, and expanding its chemical ecological niche. This study provides genomic insights into broad host adaptability in entomopathogenic fungi, facilitating further understanding of pathogen–host interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Insect-Associated Fungi)
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45 pages, 1602 KiB  
Review
Mechanisms and Genetic Drivers of Resistance of Insect Pests to Insecticides and Approaches to Its Control
by Yahya Al Naggar, Nedal M. Fahmy, Abeer M. Alkhaibari, Rasha K. Al-Akeel, Hend M. Alharbi, Amr Mohamed, Ioannis Eleftherianos, Hesham R. El-Seedi, John P. Giesy and Hattan A. Alharbi
Toxics 2025, 13(8), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080681 - 16 Aug 2025
Viewed by 429
Abstract
The escalating challenge of resistance to insecticides among agricultural and public health pests poses a significant threat to global food security and vector-borne disease control. This review synthesizes current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning resistance, including well-characterized pathways such as target-site mutations [...] Read more.
The escalating challenge of resistance to insecticides among agricultural and public health pests poses a significant threat to global food security and vector-borne disease control. This review synthesizes current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning resistance, including well-characterized pathways such as target-site mutations affecting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, and metabolic detoxification mediated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs), esterases, and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Emerging resistance mechanisms are also explored, including protein sequestration by odorant-binding proteins and post-transcriptional regulation via non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Focused case studies on Aedes aegypti and Spodoptera frugiperda illustrate the complex interplay of genetic and biochemical adaptations driving resistance. In Ae. aegypti, voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSCs) mutations (V410L, V1016I, F1534C) combined with metabolic enzyme amplification confer resistance to pyrethroids, accompanied by notable fitness costs and ecological impacts on vector populations. In S. frugiperda, multiple resistance mechanisms, including overexpression of cytochrome P450 genes (e.g., CYP6AE43, CYP321A8), target-site mutations in ryanodine receptors (e.g., I4790K), and behavioral avoidance, have rapidly evolved across global populations, undermining the efficacy of diamide, organophosphate, and pyrethroid insecticides. The review further evaluates integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, emphasizing the role of biopesticides, biological control agents, including entomopathogenic fungi and parasitoids, and molecular diagnostics for resistance management. Taken together, this analysis underscores the urgent need for continuous molecular surveillance, the development of resistance-breaking technologies, and the implementation of sustainable, multifaceted interventions to safeguard the long-term efficacy of insecticides in both agricultural and public health contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Agrochemicals on Insects and Soil Organisms)
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12 pages, 498 KiB  
Article
Virulence of Metarhizium robertsii Strains Isolated from Forest Ecosystems Against Wax Moths (Galleria mellonella, Achroia grisella) and Pine Processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) Larvae
by Spiridon Mantzoukas, Vasileios Papantzikos, Chrysanthi Zarmakoupi, Panagiotis A. Eliopoulos, Ioannis Lagogiannis and George Patakioutas
Biology 2025, 14(8), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081009 - 6 Aug 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are one of the most environmentally friendly ways to control a plethora of chewing insects such as T. pityocampa, G. mellonella, and A. grisella. Bioassay of EPF on these highly damaging pests is considered important in the [...] Read more.
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are one of the most environmentally friendly ways to control a plethora of chewing insects such as T. pityocampa, G. mellonella, and A. grisella. Bioassay of EPF on these highly damaging pests is considered important in the face of climate change in order to research alternative solutions that are capable of limiting chemical control, the overuse of which increases insects’ resistance to chemical compounds. In this study, the insecticidal virulence of Metarhizium robertsii isolates, retrieved from forest ecosystems, was tested on second-instar larvae of T. pityocampa, G. mellonella, and A. grisella. Bioassays were carried out in the laboratory, where experimental larvae were sprayed with 2 mL of a six-conidial suspension from each isolate. Mortality was recorded for 144 h after exposure. Mean mortality, lethal concentrations, sporulation percentage, and sporulation time were estimated for each isolate. Metarhizium isolates resulted in the highest mortality (89.2% for G. mellonella and 90.2% for A. grisella). Based on the LC50 estimates determined by the concentration–mortality relationships for the tested fungal isolates, we demonstrated significant virulence on larvae of G. mellonella, A. grisella, and T. pityocampa. Our results indicate that entomopathogenic fungi have the potential to become a very useful tool in reducing chemical applications. Full article
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12 pages, 418 KiB  
Article
Biocontrol Potential of a New Beauveria varroae Strain Isolated from an Urban Ecosystem Against Two Species of Noctuidae Pests
by Spiridon Mantzoukas, Vasileios Papantzikos, Ioannis Lagogiannis, Panagiotis A. Eliopoulos and George Patakioutas
Crops 2025, 5(4), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5040049 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 268
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi are among the most promising non-chemical alternatives for the control of many serious phytophagous insect pests, such as moth species. The present research investigates the use of the little-studied entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria varroae as a biocontrol agent against the notorious pests [...] Read more.
Entomopathogenic fungi are among the most promising non-chemical alternatives for the control of many serious phytophagous insect pests, such as moth species. The present research investigates the use of the little-studied entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria varroae as a biocontrol agent against the notorious pests Helicoverpa armigera and Sesamia nonagrioides in laboratory conditions. Conidial suspensions of B. varroae were prepared at 103-104-105-106-107-108 conidia/mL to assess their insecticidal potential. In this study, we used 100 3rd-instar larvae for each concentration. During the lab bioassays, almost complete mortality of 35–96.6% was recorded for H. armigera larvae and 40–96.6% for S. nonagrioides larvae 10 days after exposure. The lethal effect of the entomopathogen was related to both dose and exposure time of the entomopathogen, with higher concentrations resulting in increased mortality. The survival effect of S. nonagrioides and H. armigera larvae was dependent on the hazard effect of the used dose and the exposure time. These findings indicate that B. varroae has potential as a biocontrol agent. Further research will elucidate this new isolate and optimize application methods in field conditions. Full article
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15 pages, 1961 KiB  
Article
Age-Dependent Immune Defense Against Beauveria bassiana in Long- and Short-Lived Drosophila Populations
by Elnaz Bagheri, Han Yin, Arnie Lynn C. Bengo, Kshama Ekanath Rai, Taryn Conyers, Robert Courville, Mansour Abdoli, Molly K. Burke and Parvin Shahrestani
J. Fungi 2025, 11(8), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11080556 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 402
Abstract
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, [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Entomopathogenic Fungi)
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29 pages, 2926 KiB  
Review
Microbial Symbiosis in Lepidoptera: Analyzing the Gut Microbiota for Sustainable Pest Management
by Abdul Basit, Inzamam Ul Haq, Moazam Hyder, Muhammad Humza, Muhammad Younas, Muhammad Rehan Akhtar, Muhammad Adeel Ghafar, Tong-Xian Liu and Youming Hou
Biology 2025, 14(8), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14080937 - 25 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 569
Abstract
Recent advances in microbiome studies have deepened our understanding of endosymbionts and gut-associated microbiota in host biology. Of those, lepidopteran systems in particular harbor a complex and diverse microbiome with various microbial taxa that are stable and transmitted between larval and adult stages, [...] Read more.
Recent advances in microbiome studies have deepened our understanding of endosymbionts and gut-associated microbiota in host biology. Of those, lepidopteran systems in particular harbor a complex and diverse microbiome with various microbial taxa that are stable and transmitted between larval and adult stages, and others that are transient and context-dependent. We highlight key microorganisms—including Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Saccharomyces, Bifidobacterium, and Wolbachia—that play critical roles in microbial ecology, biotechnology, and microbiome studies. The fitness implications of these microbial communities can be variable; some microbes improve host performance, while others neither positively nor negatively impact host fitness, or their impact is undetectable. This review examines the central position played by the gut microbiota in interactions of insects with plants, highlighting the functions of the microbiota in the manipulation of the behavior of herbivorous pests, modulating plant physiology, and regulating higher trophic levels in natural food webs. It also bridges microbiome ecology and applied pest management, emphasizing S. frugiperda as a model for symbiont-based intervention. As gut microbiota are central to the life history of herbivorous pests, we consider how these interactions can be exploited to drive the development of new, environmentally sound biocontrol strategies. Novel biotechnological strategies, including symbiont-based RNA interference (RNAi) and paratransgenesis, represent promising but still immature technologies with major obstacles to overcome in their practical application. However, microbiota-mediated pest control is an attractive strategy to move towards sustainable agriculture. Significantly, the gut microbiota of S. frugiperda is essential for S. frugiperda to adapt to a wide spectrum of host plants and different ecological niches. Studies have revealed that the microbiome of S. frugiperda has a close positive relationship with the fitness and susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi; therefore, targeting the S. frugiperda microbiome may have good potential for innovative biocontrol strategies in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Wolbachia and Spiroplasma Symbiosis)
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14 pages, 3379 KiB  
Article
Effects of Isaria cateniannulata and Beauveria bassiana on Buckwheat Growth and Associated Insect Pest
by Xiaona Zhang, Lingdi Gu, Can Liu, Guimin Yang, Xue Yang, Kaifeng Huang and Qingfu Chen
Biomolecules 2025, 15(7), 1039; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15071039 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 334
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biocontrol and Plant-Microbe Interactions)
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16 pages, 2623 KiB  
Article
Grapevine Responses to the Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria bassiana and Isaria fumosorosea and the Effects of Salicylic Acid on Their Virulence Against the European Grapevine Moth, Lobesia botrana
by Evangelos Beris, Xenophon Venios, Dimitrios Papachristos, Mathilde Ponchon, Dimitrios Kontodimas, Elias Korkas, Georgios Banilas and Annette Reineke
Microorganisms 2025, 13(7), 1630; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13071630 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 487
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbiology of the Grape-Wine System)
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13 pages, 1328 KiB  
Article
Biocontrol of Fall Armyworm Larvae by Selected Mexican Metarhizium rileyi Isolates Under Greenhouse and Small-Scale Field Conditions in Maize
by Yordanys Ramos, Samuel Pineda-Guillermo, Patricia Tamez-Guerra, Javier Francisco Valle-Mora, José Isaac Figueroa-de la Rosa, Selene Ramos-Ortiz, Luis Jesús Palma-Castillo and Ana Mabel Martínez-Castillo
Insects 2025, 16(7), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16070706 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 523
Abstract
The efficacy of two selected Metarhizium rileyi Mexican isolates (T9-21 and L8-22) against Spodoptera frugiperda was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. To this end, a suspension (1 × 108 conidia/mL) of these isolates was sprayed on maize plants previously infested with six second-instar [...] Read more.
The efficacy of two selected Metarhizium rileyi Mexican isolates (T9-21 and L8-22) against Spodoptera frugiperda was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. To this end, a suspension (1 × 108 conidia/mL) of these isolates was sprayed on maize plants previously infested with six second-instar larvae. No significant differences were observed between the survival curves of the T9-21 and L8-22 isolates. Cadaver sporulation was significantly higher, and the lethal time was significantly lower with the T9-21 isolate compared with those of the L8-22 isolate (97% and 8 days vs. 70% and 10 days, respectively). Based on these results, a small-scale field trial on maize was performed to evaluate the degree of pest control achieved by the T9-21 isolate and compare it with the insecticide spinetoram, applied at a rate of 1 × 1013 conidia/ha and 75 mL/ha, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of larval mortality between the T9-21 isolate (0.49) and spinetoram (0.72). However, spinetoram significantly reduced natural enemies and phytophagous insect populations compared with the fungus and the control. In conclusion, M. rileyi T9-21 isolate could be a promising alternative for the control of S. frugiperda larvae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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16 pages, 982 KiB  
Article
Silent Allies: Endophytic Entomopathogenic Fungi Promote Biological Control and Reduce Spittlebug Mahanarva spectabilis Distant, 1909 (Hemiptera: Cercopidae)
by Michelle O. Campagnani, Luís Augusto Calsavara, Charles Martins de Oliveira and Alexander Machado Auad
J. Fungi 2025, 11(7), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11070492 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. and C.M. Evrard) Crins (synonym Brachiaria ruziziensis) Poales: Poaceae) pastures are often attacked by spittlebugs, compromising their biomass for livestock usage. A sustainable control method involves the use of entomopathogenic fungi. Therefore, the objective of this study was [...] Read more.
Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. and C.M. Evrard) Crins (synonym Brachiaria ruziziensis) Poales: Poaceae) pastures are often attacked by spittlebugs, compromising their biomass for livestock usage. A sustainable control method involves the use of entomopathogenic fungi. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of controlling Mahanarva spectabilis Distant, 1909 (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), in greenhouse and field conditions via endophytic entomopathogenic fungi. In the greenhouse, the mortality of nymphs and adults was 100%, and more than 53% of the nymphs and 59% of the adults that fed on plants inoculated with Fusarium multiceps and Metarhizium anisopliae presented with these fungi in their cadavers. In the field, more than 45% of the insect cadavers that had fed on plants grown from fungus-treated seeds were found to contain the fungi. F. multiceps was found to be endophytic in more than 60% of the plants up to 90 days after seed treatment, and M. anisopliae was found in more than 70% of the plants up to 120 days after treatment. The damage scores of the control plants, both in the greenhouse and in the field, were greater than those of the plants inoculated with the fungi. F. multiceps and M. anisopliae in the endophytic pathway of U. ruziziensis are therefore efficient at controlling spittlebugs. Full article
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21 pages, 4085 KiB  
Article
Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi for Sustainable Biocontrol of Fungus Gnat (Bradysia difformis) in Peat-Free Substrates: A Laboratory Study
by Sneha Sabu, Katja Burow, Paul Lampert and Philipp Franken
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5897; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135897 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 644
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
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13 pages, 1283 KiB  
Article
Susceptibility of Spodoptera frugiperda to Commercial Entomopathogenic Fungi Formulations in South Africa
by Simoné Louw, Vongai M. Paradza, Johnnie van den Berg and Hannalene du Plessis
Insects 2025, 16(7), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16070656 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 704
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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11 pages, 4611 KiB  
Brief Report
Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi Activity from the Fiocruz Amazônia Collection in Anopheles aquasalis Mosquitoes
by Natalia Stefany Pereira, Camila Fabbri, Kemily Nunes Moya, Ana Carolina Monteiro Ferreira, Francy’s Sayara Andrade, Rosa Amélia Santana, Claudia Maria Ríos-Velásquez, Priscila Ferreira de Aquino and Stefanie Costa Pinto Lopes
J. Fungi 2025, 11(6), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11060464 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 639
Abstract
Malaria remains a public health issue across the world. Different methods have been analyzed to achieve this disease’s elimination, such as the vector control of Anopheles spp. Control strategies include the use of different classes of insecticides, although the accelerated evolution of vectors [...] Read more.
Malaria remains a public health issue across the world. Different methods have been analyzed to achieve this disease’s elimination, such as the vector control of Anopheles spp. Control strategies include the use of different classes of insecticides, although the accelerated evolution of vectors resistant to them makes the development of alternative control methods necessary. Therefore, entomopathogenic fungi have been considered to be promising biopesticides, given that they are safe for human beings and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the entomopathogenic activity of fungi collected in the Amazon Rainforest against adult female Anopheles aquasalis mosquitoes. Females were exposed to four different species of fungi and observed daily to evaluate their survival rate. Also, fungi species’ behavior was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Those exposed to Trichoderma harzianum and Penicillium citrinum had their survival rate reduced. SEM confirmed the development of fungi on the mosquitoes after 48 h. The findings suggest that the entomopathogenic potential of the fungi used in this study should be considered, given the reduction in the survival rate of Anopheles aquasalis mosquitoes. Full article
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12 pages, 1708 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Report of Three Entomopathogenic Fungi as Potential Biocontrol Agents Against the Oak Wilt Vector, Platypus koryoensis
by Jin Heung Lee, Nam Kyu Kim, Keumchul Shin, Jong Kyu Lee and Dong-Hyeon Lee
Forests 2025, 16(6), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16061009 - 16 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 719
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenic Fungi in Forest)
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