Entomopathogenic Fungi
Entomopathogenic Fungi - Related Videos
07:16
Comparison of Methods for Isolating Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples
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Cited by 11 •
2022
Entomopathogenic fungal colonies are isolated from tropical soil samples using Tenebrio bait, Galleria bait, as well as selective artificial medium, i.e., potato dextrose agar enriched with yeast extract supplemented with chloramphenicol, thiabendazole, and cycloheximide (CTC medium).
08:58
Filamentous Fungi
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2023
Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona Demonstrating Author: Bradley Schmitz Fungi are heterotrophic eukaryotic organisms, and with the exception of yeasts, are aerobic. They are abundant in surface soils and are important for their role in nutrient cycling and the decomposition of organic matter and organic contaminants. White rot fungi (phanerochaete chryosporium) for example, (Figure 1) are known to degrade aromatics. Figure 1. White rot on...
06:58
Isolation, Behavioral Identification, and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Forest Wood Borer
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2023
Here we present a protocol for obtaining entomopathogenic fungi from a forest wood borer and a substitutive way to evaluate their entomopathogenic activities using a Coleopteran model insect. This method is efficient and convenient for exploring entomopathogenic fungal resources from wood-boring insect pests in natural forests.
09:42
Isolation and Selection of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples and Evaluation of Fungal Virulence against Insect Pests
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Cited by 14 •
2021
Here we present a protocol based on the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)-bait system that was used for isolating and selecting entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) from soil samples. An effective conidia number (ECN) formula is used to select high stress tolerant EPF based on physiological characteristics for pest microbial control in the field.
11:35
Establishment of a Chilli Thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) Rearing System for Virulence Screening of Entomopathogenic Fungi
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Cited by 1 •
2025
A detached-leaf bioassay protocol was established for mass-rearing chilli thrips using a modified detached-leaf method in agar-containing glass containers, ensuring high survival and synchronized development. This system enables efficient screening of entomopathogenic fungi virulence against 2nd instar larvae and provides a reliable thrips supply for laboratory, greenhouse, and field evaluations.
FAQs
Conditions suitable for spore germination determine whether attached spores can progress toward infection. After attachment, germination must be followed by penetration of the integument, where mechanical pressure and fungal enzymes help overcome this external barrier. Consequently, environmental conditions can influence whether contact develops into a successful infection rather than remaining an unsuccessful exposure.
Once fungal growth reaches the hemocoel, fungal cells and metabolites can interfere with both cellular and antimicrobial defenses. These effects include disruption of hemocyte activity and antimicrobial signaling, which may reduce the host’s ability to contain infection. Studying these interactions helps clarify how a pathogen modifies immune responses during progression inside the insect.
The outcome reflects an interaction between fungal progression and host containment. The fungus must move beyond cuticular penetration and grow within the hemocoel, while the insect attempts to restrict that growth through hemocyte activity and antimicrobial signaling. If immune containment is disrupted by fungal cells or metabolites, infection can advance toward lethal effects.
Their value in pest management comes from their ability to act as natural regulators of arthropod populations while interacting directly with susceptible hosts. This creates an alternative strategy to chemical pesticides and supports the development of biological control agents. The approach is especially relevant to sustainable pest management, where reducing reliance on chemical control is a priority.
A study can follow several linked stages: spore attachment to the cuticle, germination under suitable conditions, penetration through the integument, and subsequent growth in the hemocoel. Researchers can then examine host responses, including hemocyte activity and antimicrobial signaling, alongside the ability of the insect to contain infection. This connects visible infection progress with immune mechanisms.
These fungi provide models for examining host-pathogen interactions in an arthropod system. Investigators can relate fungal entry and internal growth to changes in cellular immunity, antimicrobial signaling, and host containment. The same biological knowledge also informs development of fungal biological control agents, linking basic infection research with applications in sustainable pest management.