Occurrence Of Entomopathogenic Fungi Research Articles

Effect of increasing doses of zinc in combination with organic materials on the occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in the soil

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of zinc application in different doses with organic fertilization on the genera composition and the number of CFU (colony-forming units) of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) in the soil. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse condi-tions. Soil samples for testing were collected in the third year of the experiment (spring, autumn), where the research objects were I – dose of zinc: control – lack (0) and 200, 400 and 600 mg Zn kg–1 of soil; II – no fertilization – 0 (CO), spent mushroom substrate (SMS), chicken (ChM) and cattle manure (CM). Entomopathogenic fungi were isolated using the method of isolation on a selective medium. In the course of the research, EPF of the genus: Beauveria, Metarhizium, Cordyceps and Lecanicillium were determined. The conducted research showed that entomopatho-genic fungi of the Metarhizium genera formed the most CFU in spring. In the autumn there were three times less of them. Statistical analysis showed that the number of CFUs of the identified genus of fungi (on average) in soil samples significantly depended on the dose of zinc applied, organic fertilization and the genus of fungus, but only for Metarhizium spp.

Occurrence and Pathogenicity of Indigenous Entomopathogenic Fungi Isolates to Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith) in Western Amhara, Ethiopia

The fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith) is widely recognized as an invasive lepidopteran pest in Africa. Adoption of synthetic pesticides remains an option for emergency control of the FAW, but their large-scale use by small-scale farmers is costly and environmentally unsafe. Management options based on entomopathogenic fungi could minimize risks for health and the environment. In our study, the occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in different habitats along with their pathogenicity to fall armyworm was examined. A total of 56 soil samples were collected from three locations. A standard isolation method, baited with the wax moth larvae (Galleria mellonella), was used for the isolation of entomopathogenic fungi from soil. Twelve entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from the total soil samples collected. It was observed that Metarhizium spp. was more frequent and widespread than Beauveria spp. and their occurrence was high in the forest habitat. Pathogenicity of indigenous entomopathogenic fungi isolates on fall armyworm larvae was tested by applying conidial suspension containing 1 × 108 spores/ml. All of the isolates tested were pathogenic to larvae of fall armyworm, with mortalities varying from 30 to 80% at 10 days posttreatment. Our results suggest that native entomopathogenic fungi could be integrated for the management of Spodoptera frugiperda larvae.

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in coconut soils, identification, physiological characterisation and pathogenicity towards Rhynchophorus palmarum (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae)

ABSTRACT Rhynchophorus palmarum is a significant pest of Cocos nucifera on the American continent. Therefore, this work aimed to search and characterise entomopathogenic fungi isolates to control R. palmarum under laboratory conditions. Sixty-three isolates of Metarhizium spp. were obtained from soil samples from different coconut plantations in four regions in Tabasco, México. The sites were edaphically characterised, and the presence of Metarhizium was almost null in the sites with 90% sand. The ITS region of the DNA of eleven isolates was analysed, and M. robertsii and M. anisopliae s.l. were identified. The mycelial growth (MG) of 38 isolates was evaluated, which were incubated at 25°C, 30°C, and ·35°C on Potato Dextrose Agar with Yeast for 14 d. The optimal growth for some strains was at 25°C and 30°C; for others, at 35°C. The MG colonies were small (< 1 cm) and irregular. The pathogenicity of the strains was evaluated in Tenebrio molitor larvae for 14 d with a conidia suspension 108 (conidia/mL). All the strains were pathogenic to T. molitor. However, only two strains (PAL 231.1, PAL 733.1) identified as M. robertsii reached cumulative mortality of over 60%. Then, these two strains were tested in adults of R. palmarum for 21 d with three conidia concentrations (107, 108, 109 conidia/mL). The suspension 109 conidia/mL of PAL 733.1 was the most pathogenic, with cumulative mortality of 60% and LT50 at 17 d. Therefore, the strain PAL 733.1 is proposed as a potential biological control agent against R. palmarum.

The occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in apple orchards and their biocontrol potential against Eriosoma lanigerum

Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), woolly apple aphid (WAA) is an important pest on apples globally and a key pest of apple production in South Africa. The aphid has developed some level of resistance against several chemical insecticides. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have been identified as promising biological control agents against a wide array of insect pests. The main aim of this study was to conduct a survey in local apple orchards in the Western Cape province for EPF and to use isolates to test the susceptibility of WAA under optimum laboratory conditions. Soil samples were collected from apple orchards and EPF, baited and isolated using larvae of Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor. Six EPF species: Beauveria bassiana, Cordyceps fumosorosea, Metarhizium brunneum, M. pinghaense, M. robertsii and Purpureocillium lilacinum were identified from the soil samples. The results from bioassays showed that Metarhizium robertsii and M. pinghaense isolates were the most effective with an average percentage mortality of &gt; 90%. Metarhizium brunneum also proved to be effective when used against the insect with an average percentage mortality of &gt; 80%, while B. bassiana and C. fumosorosea were the least effective with average percentage mortality of 52% and 48%, respectively. The LT50 and LT90 of M. robertsii (2.12; 4.19) and M. pinghaense (2.05; 4.45) showed to require similar mortality time in days of E. lanigerum. The results obtained in the study have provided an insight into the diversity of EPF species across apple orchards of the Western Cape and shown the efficacy of the Metarhizium isolates as potential biological control agents of the WAA.

Occurrence of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Natural Ecosystems in Phetchabun, Thailand and Their Virulence Against Brown Planthopper

Brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stål, is a serious insect pest of rice. The invasion of BPH causes heavy losses in rice production, both quality and quantity. The objective of this research was to search for Metarhizium spp., a genus of entomopathogenic fungi in the Clavicipitaceae family, from forest soil in three districts of Phetchabun Province, Thailand: Khao Kho, Lom Kao and Nam Nao to control BPH. Metarhizium spp. fungi were isolated by soil dilution plate technique and determined their efficacy using conidia suspension at the concentration of 1X108 conidia/mL on BPH at the 2-3th instar nymph fed on seedlings of susceptible rice cultivars, Taichung Native 1 (TN1). The most effective Metarhizium sp. isolate was identified using the ITS region of 18S rDNA sequencing, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and evolutionary history. The result showed that 126 isolates of Metarhizium spp. were found and coded as PB-01 to PB-126. All isolates infected BPH nymph with 26.7 to 100% mortality within 6 days after contacting conidia suspension. The isolate of PB-75 showed the highest efficacy (100% BPH mortality) with the lethal times of 50% mortality (LT50) within 2.9 days. The species identification showed that the DNA sequence of Metarhizium sp. isolate, PB-75, was 98.6% similar to M. anisopliae Genbank ID JQ889704.1. Evolutionary history based on phylogenetic analysis using neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony methods confirmed that PB-75 formed the same phylogenetic clade with M. anisopliae Genbank ID JQ889704.1 and M. anisopliae var. anisopliae.

Biodiversity and virulence characterization of entomopathogenic fungi isolated from soils in different regions of Nigeria

BackgroundStudying the diversity of the indigenous entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) is a prerequisite to effective insect pest control. The distribution and occurrence of EPF from the soil across Nigeria were evaluated. Three subsoil samples from three locations in each of the 11 states were used to isolate the fungi by the insect bait method. Three fungal rates, 1.0 × 102, 5.0 × 101 and 7.5 × 101 spores/ml, were applied to the Galleria larvae.ResultsEPF occurred in 41.1% of the soil sampled. These fungi belong to five and an unidentified genus. High species diversity was observed in Abuja with 6 species, and a uniform diversity of 5 species in Gombe, Ibadan, Jos, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa and Port Harcourt. The Shannon–Wiener index ranges from 2.48 to 1.84. Similarly, species evenness showed a distinct similarity across the 11 sampling states and ranges from 0.99 to 0.92. Simpson Diversity Index was found to be highest in Bauchi with 0.31 and lowest in Abuja with 0.19. The mortality of the Galleria mellonella (L.) larvae differed significantly (P < 0.01) with EPF species and time of exposure. There was also a strong (P < 0.001) relationship between larval mortality and conidial concentration within and among the species. The virulence of the isolated fungi on Galleria mellonella larvae based on LC50 differs with states (sampling site) even within the same species.ConclusionsThe present study uncovered the diversity and occurrence of EPF in soil across Nigeria. In addition, the results can be useful in selecting the suitable soils and best adapted EPF in a particular soil across the study area, or it could be the beginning of a molecular study.

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in muck-glial soils of the Liwiec river valley

For the preservation of biological diversity of soil microorganisms, including entomopathogenic fungi which are natural enemies of pests, areas that are subject to anthropogenic transformation as little as possible are of great importance. River valleys may be such areas. The aim of the study was to identification of types of entomopathogenic fungi, as well as to investigate the intensity of their occurrence in the upper genetic levels of meadow muck-glial soils located in the Liwiec river valley. The material for the research was soil samples collected in October 2018 and May 2019, in the upper reaches of the Liwiec river. Insecticidal fungi were isolated from individual genetic levels of the soils under study using the selective substrate isolation method. In the course of the research, insecticidal fungi of the genus were isolated: Beauveria spp., Metarhizium spp., Isaria spp. and Lecanicillium spp., with only Beauveria spp. and Lecanicillium spp. being found in the autumn. The greatest number of infection units was formed by the fungus Beauveria spp. and the greatest intensity of its occurrence was found in the turf level of the soils studied.

Entomopathogens from Agricultural Soil and Their Potential to Control the Banded Fruit Weevil, Phlyctinus callosus (Schönherr) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The banded fruit weevil (BFW), Phlyctinus callosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a major indigenous pest of deciduous fruits and grapevine in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Entomopathogens are effective in controlling soil-borne and above-ground stages of insect pests. Soil samples were collected from deciduous fruit orchards and vineyards in the Western Cape, baited with mealworms to isolate entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), which were identified using molecular techniques and assessed for their potential as biocontrol agents of BFW adults. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the effect of soil parameters on the presence of the entomopathogens. EPNs were trapped in 12 (17 %) samples, while Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Heterorhabditis safricana were the only two species isolated. EPF were isolated from 26 (37 %) samples baited, with 14 fungal isolates identified as Beauveria bassiana (Cordycipitaceae) and 12 identified as Metarhizium anisopliae (Clavicipitaceae) complex. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (53 %) gave significantly higher (P < 0.05) control of adult BFW than H. safricana (37 %). Metarhizium anisopliae (79 %) gave significantly higher (P < 0.05) control of BFW adults than B. bassiana (63 %). Organic matter, magnesium and phosphorus had a negative relationship with the occurrence of EPNs. A negative relationship was also reported between the occurrence of EPF, and organic matter and potassium. The results indicated that soils from the deciduous fruit orchards and vineyards from the Western Cape contain both EPNs and EPF with potential to be used in an integrated pest management system against soil-borne and above-ground stages of BFW.

Occurrence, Identification, and Virulence of Native Fungal Pathogens Isolated From Mexican Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Larvae From Soils of Three Cropping Systems.

The Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens Loew, is a significant pest in mango and citrus production areas of Mexico. In this study, we evaluated the effects of some geographic characteristics, rainfall period, soil micro-environmental, and soil coverage variables on the occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) associated with A. ludens larvae in soils of mango, grapefruit and mixed crops in central Veracruz state, Mexico. EPF isolates were characterized morphologically and identified by sequence analysis of elongation factor (EF1-1018F, EF1-1620R). We recorded four species of EPF (Metarhizium robertsii J.F. Bisch, S.A. Rehner & Humber [Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae], M. brunneum Petch [Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae], M. pinghaense Q.T. Chen & H.L. Guo [Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae], and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin [Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae]), of which Metarhizium robertsii was the most abundant and the most virulent. Also, we found that rainfall period, organic matter, coverage of herbs and forbs, and calcium levels modulated EPF occurrence. We estimated lethal concentrations for A. ludens larvae of the four most promising isolates, V3-123, V3-160, V1-332, and V3-369. Our results suggest that M. robertsii obtained from agricultural soils holds potential as a biological control agent for A. ludens.

Association between chemical properties of vineyard soils and occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi causing different levels of mortality in Planococcus ficus

Global demand for environmentally friendly grapevine cultivation and pest control has necessitated an improved understanding of the relationship between soil properties and beneficial, naturally occurring antagonists such as entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). Sixty six soil samples were collected from 22 vineyards in the Western Cape, South Africa. The association between soil nutrient status and EPF prevalence was examined. Fungi were isolated with methods of insect baiting and selective media. In addition, fungal isolates were tested against a key grapevine pest, Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Pathogenicity of fungal strains against P. ficus was assessed with an immersion bioassay at a concentration of 1 × 108 conidia ml–1. Twenty-three fungal strains were isolated and correspondence analysis of data indicated a positive association between EPF (Metarhizium robertsii (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and Clonostachys rosea f. catenulata [Hypocreales: Bionectriaceae]) occurrence and optimum to high levels of soil-based macronutrients (C, N and Ca). Logistic regression revealed that K was positively correlated with M. robertsii (estimate = 0.03 ± 0.01; P < 0.05; odds ratio = 1.03). Strains of Beauvaria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) caused the highest mortalities (77.0 ± 2.0% to 87.0 ± 3.0%). This study showed that some soil nutrient properties corresponded to greater occurrence of EPF in grapevine soils.

Species Diversity of Entomopathogenic Fungi Infecting the Sugarcane Aphid &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Melanaphis sacchari&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: A Recently Introduced Pest in Mexico

The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari, is a key pest that affects sorghum in Mexico. During 2014 to 2016, in South of Tamaulipas sites and Bajio region in Guanajuato, the populations of this aphid were infected by different species of Hypocrealean fungi. Based in the morphometric identification and molecular characterization, the species associated with sugarcane aphid in South of Tamaulipas were Lecanicillium longisporum, Beauveria bassiana and Isaria javanica. In this region, the higher infection levels were caused by L. longisporum, mortality range from 30.0% to 50.0%. The presence of I. javanica and B. bassiana represented less than 26.0% and 10.0%, respectively. In Guanajuato, the species found corresponded to L. longisporum and B. bassiana. The infection levels of both species in sugarcane aphid populations in Guanajuato sites were less than 1.00%. The natural occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi on sugarcane aphid populations was associated with climactic factors such as temperature and relative humidity and development of infections was possibly affected by abiotic factors such as crop phenological stage and applications of chemical insecticides realized by farmers for control of this aphid. Further studies on the ecology and physiology of these fungi and trials to determine virulence and persistence in M. sacchari populations are needed. This is the first report on natural presence of L. longisporum, B. bassiana and I. javanica causing disease on Melanaphis sacchari in Guanajuato and Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in populations of Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) aphids feeding on primary and secondary host plants

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in populations of Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) aphids feeding on primary and secondary host plants

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi with variable pathogenicities against grapevine mealybug in vineyards

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi with variable pathogenicities against grapevine mealybug in vineyards

The Occurrence of Entomopathogenic Fungi on Mineral and Peat Soils in Peninsular Malaysia

The aims of this study are to isolate and identify Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) from mineral and peat soils in relation with the soil physico-chemical parameters. The mineral soil was sampled from the MPOB Research Station Hulu Paka in Terengganu, whereas peat soil was sampled from the MPOB Research Station Teluk Intan in Perak. Isolation of these fungi was carried out using a selective medium. Morphological characteristics of fungi were studied by observing the mycelium and conidia grown on agar plates using a light microscope. Soil physico-chemical parameters such as pH, water content, carbon and nitrogen content were also determined. Two species of EPF isolated from both types of soils were identified as Isaria amoenerosea and Metarhizium anisopliae. On potato dextrose agar, the colony of I. amoenerosea was pink in colour and slow growing with floccose mycelium which producing conidiophores with 3 to 4 phialides. The conidia were subglobose or irregular shapes between 2.0-3.0 µm long × 1.7-2.0 µm wide. The colony of M. anisopliae was whitish yellow and turned to dark green when matured; slow growing with floccose mycelium. The conidia were cylindrical with the dimension ranging from 6.0-7.0 µm long × 2.0-2.8 µm wide. The result shows that the occurrence of I. amoenerosea was more dominant than M. anisopliae. In mineral soil, out of 30 samples, I. amoenerosea was isolated from 25 soil samples (83%), while the M. anisopliae was only found in 15 samples (50%). In peat soil, out of 36 samples collected, 26 samples (72%) were found with I. amoenerosea, while the fungus M. anisopliae was isolated from eight samples (22%). In this study, the occurrence of EPF on mineral soil was higher than from peat soil, which was possibly due to low water content, high soil temperature and low C/N ratio.

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi on insect pests of stored wheat and maize in Central and South Anatolia in Turkey

Naturally occurring fungal pathogens of stored-grain insect pests were identified and quantified using different insect sampling techniques in wheat and maize storage facilities in Central and South Anatolia in Turkey. Storage facilities were sampled by probing, trapping and visual inspection in five cities (Sanliurfa, Kahramanmaras, Adana, Mersin and Konya) from June to November 2013. Entomopathogenic fungi recovered from dead insects were identified to species level by sequencing the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of the genomic DNA. Of the three species isolated, the majority were Beauveria bassiana (97 isolates), followed by Purpureocillium lilacinum (20 isolates). The third species, Beauveria varroae (9 isolates), is the first record on stored-product pest insects. Thirty-five isolates were from Tribolium spp., 29 from Sitophilus spp., 24 from Cryptolestes ferrugineus, 22 from Rhyzopertha dominica, 8 from Oryzaephilus surinamensis, 4 from Trogoderma granarium, 3 from Latheticus oryzae and 1 from a species of Cryptophagidae. The fungal infection of stored-grain pests did not vary significantly according to the time of sampling. A higher frequency of occurrence was recorded for Adana than the other cities and for Tribolium species than the other hosts. Grain samples taken by probing resulted in a higher frequency of fungal infection, but commodity type did not have a significant effect. The results demonstrated that (1) entomopathogenic fungi occurred at a low frequency, and (2) location, together with sampling technique, can affect their recovery. Further exploration of this ecosystem could yield important information for improving their use for management of stored-grain pests.

Spatial and taxonomical overlap of fungi on phylloplanes and invasive alien ladybirds with fungal infections in tree crowns of urban green spaces.

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi on phylloplanes in Tilia × europaea crowns between 1 and 13 m was assessed in urban parks. Prevalence of fungal infections in ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) collected from Tilia × europaea was assessed to determine whether fungi found on phylloplanes also occurred as infections in ladybirds. Isaria spp. was most abundant on phylloplanes (mean colony forming units (CFU) per leaf ± SE, 0.33 ± 0.03) followed by Beauveria spp. (0.22 ± 0.02 CFU per leaf) and Lecanicillium spp. (0.19 ± 0.02 CFU per leaf). Densities of inoculum were higher in inner crowns and decreased with height, although Lecanicillium spp. peaked at 5-7 m. Upper phylloplane surfaces harboured higher densities of Isaria spp. and Beauveria spp. than lower surfaces, whereas Lecanicillium spp. was equally distributed. Most prevalent on ladybirds were Isaria spp. (20.6% Harmonia axyridis; 4.8% natives), Lecanicillium spp. (13.6% H. axyridis; 4.8% natives), with fewer Beauveria spp. infections (2.6% H. axyridis). Molecular identification revealed Beauveria bassiana, B. pseudobassiana, Isaria farinosa and Lecanicillium muscarium among isolates of both tree and ladybird origin. Tilia × europaea phylloplanes support a diverse assemblage of entomopathogenic fungal species with a different prevalence in coccinellids compared to their relative abundance in this habitat.

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in atlantic forest soils

Abstract Knowledge of the composition and distribution of native entomopathogenic fungal species are essential to evaluate the potential of biological control in a given ecosystem. In this study, 10 soil samples were collected in two

Występowanie oraz potencjał infekcyjny grzybów entomopatogenicznych w glebach z pól uprawnych, łąk i siedlisk leśnych

Summary The aim of the study was to compare the species composition and the intensity of occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in the soil of arable fields and adjacent grassland and forest habitats. The soil and litter samples were collected in October 2012 from different habitats: mixed forest, farmland and meadow. Fungi were isolated from soil by means of two methods: trap insects (larvae of Galleria mellonella) and selective medium. A total five entomopathogenic fungal species: Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Isaria fumosorosea, Isaria farinosa and Conidiobolus sp., were isolated by means of the first method, while only three first species of fungi by means of selective medium. It was found, that usually one fungal species dominated in each of the surveyed habitats. On average in the litter and forest soil the most infectious units formed fungus B. bassiana, in the soil of farmlands M. anisopliae, while in the meadow soil in a similar intensity I. fumosorosea and B. bassiana occurred. The richest species composition of entomopathogenic fungi was found in soils from meadows but the highest density of their colony forming units was found in soil samples collected from the small-scale arable fields.

THE OCCURRENCE OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI IN SOILS FROM FIELDS CULTIVATED IN A CONVENTIONAL AND ORGANIC SYSTEM

The occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi, involved in regulating the population of insects preying on arable crops, depends on numerous factors, such as using crop protection chemicals, which are prohibited in the organic tillage system. Using two methods: selective medium and the Galleria mellonella bait method, the species composition and the occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in soils deriving from organic and conventional fields sown with winter cereals were compared. Four entomopathogenic fungal species were identified in the samples: Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea, Metarhizium anisopliae and Lecanicillium sp.. M. anisopliae was the most frequently detected one. M. anisopliae and B. bassiana formed more colony forming units in soils from organic fields, whereas I. fumosorosea in soils from the conventional ones.

Occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) orchard soils and their pathogenicity against Rhagoletis pomonella.

To determine the abundance and diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in tejocote orchard soils and evaluate their ability to infect Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh., the main pest of tejocote. Surveys were made in two locations in Mexico state and two in Puebla state. Soil from selected locations was baited for entomopathogenic fungi with Galleria mellonella (L.). All isolates were identified morphologically to genus level and to species level using Bloc and elongation factor 1-α gene sequence information, respectively; Beauveria bassiana ((Bals.-Criv.) Vuill.), B. pseudobassiana (S.A. Rehner & Humber) and Metarhizium robertsii (J.F. Bisch., Rehner & Humber) were found, with B. bassiana being the most abundant and widely distributed. Pathogenicity of five selected B. bassiana isolates and three M. robertsii isolates was evaluated against larvae and pupae of R. pomonella. All isolates infected larvae resulting in an average mortality of 35%. Pupae were not susceptible; however, adults emerging from inoculated pupae did die due to infection. At least three species of entomopathogenic fungi are present in the soil from tejocote orchards, with B. bassiana being the most abundant and widely distributed. Rhagoletis pomonella larvae were more susceptible to infection than pupae. Our study has produced new information about the distribution of entomopathogenic fungi in cultivated soils from this region of North America, contributing to a better understanding of their natural occurrence and underpinning the development of biological control approaches.