Oak borers in the genus Coraebus, including the bark- and the wood-boring beetles C. florentinus and C. undatus, are major pests of the cork oak tree Quercus suber, and when their population densities are high, effective forest protection measures become critical. The endophagous behaviour of Coraebus species and the limited understanding of their biology, hamper the development of timely and effective management strategies. The novel strain UNISS22 of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, isolated from the forest ecosystem, demonstrated strong insecticidal potential against the model coleopteran Tenebrio molitor and the two target Coraebus species, achieving up to 100% mortality in both larvae and adults, with efficacy shown to be concentration-dependent. Beauveria bassiana UNISS22 was found to exhibit endophytic behaviour in Quercus plants and to possess a distinctive ability to produce increased fungal biomass. Genomic analyses revealed a set of genes encoding proteins related to the insecticidal potential, including genes involved in adhesion to the host (adhesins and hydrophobins), in penetration and infection (chitinases, proteases and subtilases), and in the synthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites. Gene sequence analyses revealed a significant level of divergence in strain UNISS22, supporting the presence of distinct biological properties and functional potential compared with other B. bassiana strains. The biological properties and insecticidal potential of B. bassiana strain UNISS22 provide valuable insights for developing eco-friendly, integrated management strategies to protect forests from Coraebus beetle infestations. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium robertsii are natural pathogens of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) and hold promise for biocontrol. However, the insect's immune responses to fungal infections remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed transcriptomic analyses of haemocytes and fat body tissue from CPB larvae topically infected with B. bassiana and M. robertsii at the stage of pathogen encapsulation. Quantitative PCR validation of gene expression, along with complementary physiological and biochemical assays, was also conducted. Reference gene annotations were expanded using both the classical bioinformatic tool InterProScan and the AI-based tool ProteInfer. For the first time, pathogen-specific differences in CPB tissue responses to fungal infections were revealed. Gene Ontology enrichment and expression profiles of immune-related genes indicated a stronger antifungal response to M. robertsii, whereas infection with B. bassiana was associated with enhanced protection against self-damage. Pathogen-specific responses were linked to the expression of genes encoding certain receptors, serine proteases, serpins, Toll signalling components, antimicrobial peptides, chitin deacetylases, chitin synthases, laccases, as well as to the production of phenoloxidases and reactive oxygen species. The most diverse and pathogen-specific gene expression changes occurred in haemocytes rather than in the fat body. We propose that the observed differences in immune responses are mainly driven by the fungal enzymatic machinery, secondary metabolites and pigments. The differentially expressed genes identified in this study provide novel insights into insect-pathogen interactions and represent promising molecular targets for advancing both fundamental research on insect immunity and the applied development of innovative biocontrol strategies.

Cuticular microbial communities influence insect-pathogen interactions, yet their protective roles remain incompletely understood. These microbial defenses are critical in pest species like Bactrocera dorsalis, where microbial symbionts may shape resistance to biological control agents. We show that the cuticular microbiota of Bactrocera dorsalis enhances resistance to the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Beauveria bassiana and Isaria fumosorosea through dual immune and chemical mechanisms. Gnotobiotic assays demonstrate that specific bacterial isolates (Microbacterium, Psychrobacter, and Staphylococcus) promote host survival and defense by stimulating Toll/IMD signaling pathway and up-regulating antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as defensin, attacin, and cecropin. In contrast, non-cuticle-associated bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) failed to enhance survival and immune responses, indicating that protection is microbiota-specific rather than a result of general bacterial exposure. In parallel, bacterial volatiles, such as phenol, indole, and eicosane, along with extracellular enzymes including chitinase, cellulase, protease, and lipase, suppressed fungal germination and hyphal growth. Importantly, these protective effects were found to vary with host age, indicating age-dependent modulation of microbiota-mediated defense. Our findings revealed that cuticle-associated bacteria protect their host through complementary immune and chemical pathways. These microbiota act as an active barrier, and microbial metabolism interacts with host immune signaling. By distinguishing specific cuticle-derived effects from non-specific bacterial stimulation, this study highlighted the role of microbiota in modulating fungal susceptibility and supports their application in developing next-generation biocontrol strategies in pest management. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of chronic glomerulonephritis and a major cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide, currently lacks safe, effective therapies. Ophiocordyceps sinensis, a well-known traditional medicinal fungus and used for treating kidney-related disorders. In this study, we report for the first time the nephroprotective potential of Ophiocordyceps indica Gireesh Nadda & Aakriti Sharma 2023, a newly described entomopathogenic fungus isolated from the Indian Himalayas, against IgAN. UPLC-based metabolomic profiling of O. indica confirmed the presence of key nucleosides, including adenosine and cordycepin, exhibiting a profile comparable to O. sinensis. In vitro, O. indica extract significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in SV40-MES13 mesangial cells without inducing cytotoxicity. In vivo, oral administration of the extract to IgAN-induced mice improved renal function by reducing serum creatinine, urea, and urine microalbumin levels, while restoring body and kidney weights. The extract also significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL6, IL18) and galactose-deficient IgA1 levels. Histological and molecular analyses revealed amelioration of glomerular hypertrophy and tubular degeneration, along with downregulation of fibrotic and kidney injury markers (TGFβ, αSMA, Nephrin, WT1, VEGF, Desmin). The nephroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of O. indica were comparable to those of O. sinensis and dexamethasone. Our findings highlight the potent anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective properties of O. indica, supporting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for managing IgAN.

Climate change profoundly affects agricultural insect pests by altering their biology, distribution, and interactions within agroecosystems, threatening global food security. Rising temperatures, elevated atmospheric CO₂, and shifting precipitation patterns accelerate pest development, expand geographic ranges, and increase voltinism, intensifying crop damage. These shifts disrupt traditional pest management frameworks, as phenological mismatches among pests, host plants, and natural enemies weaken biological control. Moreover, abiotic stresses compromise the performance of biocontrol agents, such as entomopathogenic fungi, necessitating climate-specific strain selection. Adaptive integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that incorporate real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, precision agriculture technologies, and emerging tools such as CRISPR and sterile insect techniques are essential for climate-resilient agriculture. Sustainable approaches that leverage natural products and minimize reliance on chemical pesticides further support ecosystem health. This review synthesizes current knowledge on climate-driven pest dynamics, range expansions, and tritrophic disruptions based on literature searched in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to November 2025 using Boolean strings. This review proposes a comprehensive climate-adaptive IPM framework to safeguard agricultural productivity amid ongoing environmental change.

Phenotypic and pathogenicity changes in Beauveria and Metarhizium isolates induced by serial subculturing and passage through different host species.

MaNrg1, a transcriptional regulator, negatively regulates the UV-B tolerance and governs the microcycle conidiation in Metarhizium acridum.

In vitro compatibility of entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana (Balsam) with insecticides and fungicides

Behavioral response of the tick Rhipicephalus linnaei to the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae.

<p>The effect of seed treatment and foliar application with two endophytic entomopathogenic fungi, namely <em>Beauveria bassiana</em> and <em>Purpureocillium lilacinum</em> (<em>Paecilomyces lilacinus),</em> was evaluated against early blight disease under field conditions. Two different conidial concentrations (1×10<sup>8</sup> and 1×10<sup>9 </sup>conidia mL<sup>-1</sup>) were used for seed treatment and foliar application, and their effect was evaluated by disease severity, disease incidence. Their effects were also investigated on plant growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry plant weight, root-shoot fresh and dry weight). Experiments were conducted in two consecutive years with a factorial design setup. Both entomopathogenic fungi significantly decreased disease severity and percent disease incidence under field conditions. Seed treatment significantly decreased disease severity and percent disease incidence as compared to foliar application. Among treatments, <em>B. bassiana</em> showed the lowest disease severity and percent disease incidence as compared to <em>P. lilacinum</em>. A significant increase in plant height, leaves number, fresh and dry plant weight, and root-shoot weight was also observed at higher concentrations of <em>B. bassiana</em> when applied as a seed treatment. Our results also provide the first report on the antifungal effect of <em>P. lilacinum</em> against <em>A. solani </em>under field conditions for the sustainable management of early blight of tomatoes.</p>

Cordyceps militaris is an entomopathogenic fungus traditionally used in Asian ethnomedicine and increasingly investigated for its potential health-promoting properties, including immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. In recent years, it has gained attention as a dietary supplement with possible applications in sports nutrition. This narrative review summarizes and critically evaluates the current human evidence regarding the ergogenic and post-exercise recovery effects of C. militaris supplementation in healthy individuals. A structured database search was conducted using predefined eligibility criteria, and the methodological quality of included studies was appraised through domain-based risk-of-bias assessment. Five intervention studies published between 2017 and 2024, comprising 321 participants aged 16-35 years, were identified. Supplementation protocols ranged from 1 to 16 weeks, with daily doses of 1-12 g administered either as isolated fungal material or as a part of multi-ingredient formulations. Assessed outcomes included indices of aerobic performance and exercise capacity, such as maximal or peak oxygen uptake (VO2max/VO2peak), time to exhaustion, power output, running performance, and maintenance of peripheral oxygen saturation during high-intensity exercise. Several studies also evaluated biochemical markers related to muscle damage and inflammatory responses, including creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen, and white blood cell counts. Although some studies reported improvements in selected performance and recovery parameters, the findings were inconsistent. The certainty of the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity of participants and exercise protocols, insufficient reporting of randomization, lack of trial registration in most studies, absence of standardized preparations with quantified bioactive constituents, and the use of multi-ingredient supplements. Well-designed randomized controlled trials using chemically characterized preparations and homogeneous athletic populations are required to clarify the efficacy and practical relevance of C. militaris in sports nutrition.

Abstract The Pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyri L. (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is the main pest of pears in all pear-growing regions of Turkey as well as in Antalya province (southwestern part of Turkey). Its control mainly relies on the use of synthetic chemical insecticides; however, in last decade, desired levels of control have not been achieved due to development of resistance to these insecticides. Previous studies have shown that entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) may be a good alternative to pesticides to suppress pear psylla populations. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: (i) to isolate native EPFs from naturally infected individuals of pear psylla in Korkuteli county of Antalya province, (ii) to identify the collected EPF isolates, and (iii) to assess the effectiveness of these isolates against various developmental stages [eggs, young (1st and 2nd instars) and older (3rd and 5nd instars) nymphs, and adults of the pest under laboratory conditions. A total of 19 fungal isolates, including 12 Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Deuteromycota: Hyphomycetes), 3 Penicillium raistrickii Smith, 2 P. chrysogenum Tom and 2 Aspergillus ochraceus Wilhelm (Ascomycota: Eurotiomycetes)] were recovered from 63 fungal-infected psyllid cadavers during a two-year survey. In initial screening tests, 9 B. bassiana isolates, producing ≥ 20% mortality in the nymphal (young or older) stages of C. pyri , were also confirmed by molecular identification and included in the virulence assays for further evaluation against the pest. All 9 isolates were tested at three different conidial concentrations (1 × 10 5 , 1 × 10 6 and 1 × 10 7 conidia/ml), using spray method. The results of virulence assays showed that all 9 B. bassiana isolates had low ovicidal and adulticidal activity (both egg and adult mortalities were below 20%) while they caused significant mortalities on young nymphs. Of the 9 B. bassiana isolates tested, two isolates (AKBBPN2 and AKBBPN6) were the most virulent, causing 94.2 and 92.7% mortalities, respectively, in young nymphs within 14 days at the highest concentration (1 × 10 7 conidia/ml). The findings of the current study indicated that these two B. bassiana isolates from C. pyri nymphal cadavers may provide an essential basis for the development of bioproducts, as well as a promising alternative method for controlling the pest.

Nine species of genera Ennearthron Mellié, 1847, Orthocis Casey, 1898, Octotemnus Mellié, 1847, Sulcacis Dury, 1917, Rhopalodonthus Mellié, 1847, Xylographus Mellié, 1847 are recorded for Kazakhstan. Seven species (Ennearthron cornutum (Gyllenhal, 1827), Orthocis lucasi (Abeille de Perrin, 1874), Sulcacis nitidus (Fabricius, 1792), Octotemnus glabriculus (Gyllenhal, 1827), O. mandibularis (Gyllenhal, 1813), Rhopalodontus strandi Lohse, 1969 and Xylographus bostrichoides Dufour, 1843) are first reported from the country. The distribution in Kazakhstan of two species (Sulcacis bidentulus (Rosenhauer, 1847) and S. fronticornis (Panzer, 1809)) is clarified. A pseudoscorpion common tree-chernes Chernes cimicoides (Fabricius, 1793) is cited for the first time as a predator and an entomopathogenic fungus white muscardine disease Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) as a parasite of minute tree-fungus beetles Sulcacis bidentulus, S. nitidus, S. fronticornis, Octotemnus. glabriusculus, Orthocis lucasi and Rhopalodontus strandi. (Hymenoptera, Bthylidae). A Bethylidae wasp Cephalonomia sp. is cited as a parasite of minute tree-fungus beetle E. cornutum. A key to known species of genus Ennearthron, Octotemnus, Orthocis, Rhopalodontus, Sulcacis and Xylographus from Kazakhstan is given. Currently, the countries neighbouring Kazakhstan have the following number of species of Ciidae in common with it: Russia – 16, China – 4, Kyrgyzstan – 3, Turkmenistan – 3, Uzbekistan – 2. In total, 16 species and 7 genera of minute tree-fungus beetles, belonging to two tribes and one subfamily, have been recorded for Kazakhstan at present.

The corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis, is one of the most important phytosanitary constraints in maize production systems across the Americas due to its role as the primary vector of the corn stunt disease complex. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the phytosanitary importance, epidemiology, and management of D. maidis, emphasizing its evolutionary specialization with maize, vector–pathogen interactions, and responses to agroecosystem structure and climate variability. The strict host association of D. maidis with Zea mays results in highly efficient transmission of phloem-limited pathogens, including Spiroplasma kunkelii, phytoplasmas, and Maize rayado fino virus, whose epidemiology is strongly influenced by vector behavior, feeding dynamics, and dispersal. Continuous maize cultivation, overlapping planting dates, and landscape connectivity create epidemiological corridors that favor year-round persistence of both the vector and associated pathogens. Although natural enemies and entomopathogenic fungi contribute to population regulation, their effectiveness is often constrained by adaptive insect behavior and intensive chemical control, which can disrupt biological regulation and accelerate resistance evolution. The evidence highlights the limitations of reactive, insecticide-based strategies and underscores the need for integrated pest management approaches grounded in ecological and epidemiological principles. Sustainable management of D. maidis requires coordinated actions at field and landscape scales, incorporating crop scheduling, biological control, and climate-informed decision-making to mitigate corn stunt epidemics and enhance the resilience of maize production systems.

An entomopathogenic fungus, Amphichorda felina (formerly classified as Beauveria felina), was sequenced through Illumina MiSeq short reads and Oxford Nanopore long reads. The hybrid assembly resulted in a genome of approximately 29.6 Mb with 9 scaffolds and an N50 of 3.28 Mb.

This research aims to obtain entomopathogenic fungal isolates and determine the characteristics of isolates that have the potential as biological control agents for Chilo sacchariphagus. The research was conducted in the field and at the Protection Laboratory of PT Perkebunan Nusantara VII Bunga Mayang Unit and at the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. This research method consists of two sub-sections; the first is the exploration of entomopathogenic fungi, the second is the morphological identification of entomopathogenic fungal isolates isolated from soil suspensions and bait insects and characteristic tests consisting of growth, sporulation, viability and pathogenicity tests against C. sacchariphagus in vitro arranged in a randomized block design (RBD). From the results of the research, six fungal isolates were obtained, two isolates was able to be identified, as Trichoderma sp., and as Aspergillus sp., while the other four isolates could not be identified. Based on the growth, sporulation, spore viability, and pathogenicity tests against C. sacchariphagus that have been carried out, the six isolates have varying characteristics. The TC (Trichoderma sp.) isolate had the highest fungal colony growth, which was 8,50 cm in diameter, the highest sporulation (3,96 x 107 spores/mL) was TNH3BB isolate, and the highest spore viability (100%) were belong the TNH3BB and TC (Trichoderma sp.) isolates, while the TNH2BA (Aspergillus sp.) isolate was able to cause the highest mortality to up, 93,33%.

Entomopathogenic fungi play a pivotal role in pest management, and Beauveria bassiana is one of the most important microbial pathogens in the regulation of insect pests. A study was conducted to isolate and characterise a native B.bassiana with potential as a biological control agent against rice bug, Leptocorisa acuta. A new isolate was obtained from an epizootic observed on rice bug, a major pest of rice in Kerala, India. The fungus was identified as a new isolate of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) based on morphological studies. Conidiophores were densely clustered with sub-globose to flask-shaped vesicles and zigzag rachis, hyaline, aseptate hyphae (~ 3.44μm), and globose-to-subglobose smooth conidia (~ 3.38 × 2.56μm). The molecular analysis of the fungus revealed the highest similarity with B. bassiana, and the sequence has been deposited in NCBI with accession number OP023314 as B. bassiana RB PTB. The optimum temperature and pH for the growth and sporulation of the new isolate were 27°C and 6, respectively. Bioassays using conidial suspensions (10³ to 10⁸ conidia mL- 1) demonstrated dose- and time-dependent mortality, with 10⁸ conidia mL- 1 , 100% mortality was achieved at 120h. The corresponding LC₅₀ values decreased from 1.4 × 10⁸ at 24h to 3.4 × 10¹ conidia mL- 1 at 168h, and LT₅₀ ranged from 1.63 days at 10⁸ conidia mL- 1 to 4.67 days at 10³ conidia mL- 1. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed progressive infection in adults of L. acuta with conidial adhesion at 24h post-inoculation (hpi), conidial germination and germ tube formation and appressoria development at 48 hpi, hyphal proliferation at 72 hpi, extrusion of hyphae at 120 hpi followed by extensive mycelial networking on cadavers at 168 hpi. These results established the virulence of B. bassiana RB PTB and its potential to uplift as a biocontrol agent against rice bug, L. acuta.

Selectivity of few chemical insecticides and entomopathogenic fungi Cordyceps fumosorosea on the parasitoid Encarsia guadeloupae and on the predator Apertochrysa astur in coconut

An infection event of the spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae) has been described, for the first time, in northwest Italy. The causative agents were two entomopathogenic fungi belonging to Entomophthorales, specifically Zoophthora radicans and, more rarely, Batkoa major. The morphological description and molecular identification of fungi have been reported, in addition to recording meteorological data that may have affected the outbreak of the infection. When massive events are ongoing, entomopathogenic fungi really behave as determinant regulators of natural populations of arthropod pests and the possibility to stress their action in this direction should be deeply investigated.

The fall aِrmyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), causes significant yield losses due to its high fecundity, broad host range, defoliation capability, and voracious larval feeding. Biological control using microorganisms has gained attention as a sustainable alternative to chemical pest management. Entomopathogenic fungi employ distinct modes of action and produce secondary metabolites with insecticidal properties. This study aimed to isolate and identify indigenous entomopathogenic fungal species and evaluate their pathogenicity against S. frugiperda. Three isolates belonging to the division Ascomycota were recovered from soil samples and identified as Botryotrichum domesticum isolate MP3H-5, Albifimbria verrucaria isolate E16, and Purpureocillium lilacinum isolate WARSO2 6 8. When applied at a concentration of 1 × 109 conidia mL⁻1, the fungal isolates induced significant cumulative mortality (60 to 84.44%) in S. frugiperda larvae at 14days post-treatment. Albifimbria verrucaria was the most virulent, exhibiting the lowest LC50 (2 × 107 conidia mL⁻1)and LT50 (0.46days). At a lower concentration of 1 × 107 conidia mL⁻1, the P. lilacinum isolate caused the highest pupal mortality (80%) at 7days post-treatment. Crude fungal metabolites also demonstrated larvicidal activity, resulting in cumulative mortality rates of up to 50%. Furthermore, larvae treated with the entomopathogenic fungi showed elevated catalase activity. The high toxicity observed is likely associated with fungal secondary metabolites, which were characterized using GC-MS analysis. Under laboratory conditions, the tested entomopathogenic fungal isolates demonstrated strong potential as microbial agents for the control of S. frugiperda. However, further field-based validation is necessary to confirm their efficacy.