Fungus That Kills Insects

Entomopathogenic fungi can be used to control a variety of pests including locusts and aphids.

Fungi that kill insects, called entomopathogens, are widespread in nature, and there are many different types of them. These types of fungi kill insects by releasing spores that germinate on the surface of the insects and then absorb into their bodies. In recent years, these fungi have been used on their own as a natural insecticide, as well as being ingredients in commercial pesticides.

Beauveria Bassiana

Beauveria bassiana is an aggressive fungal parasite that affects a variety of different insects, including cicadas and moths, at both larvae and adult stages of life. Beauveria bassiana has also been specifically used to control the population of European corn borers, an insect which is a pest to corn and maize fields. The fungus itself gives off tiny spores that work their way through the insect's pores and then later erupt out of the skin as a white powdery substance that can be seen once the insect has died.

Neozygites Fresenii

Neozygites fresenii is the scientific name for a fungal disease commonly known as "the aphid fungus." It got this name because it has been found to be very effective in killing cotton aphids, which are a major pest for cotton growers. Aphids that have fallen victim to this fungus can be identified by a layer of green or brown thick wool-like substance that can be seen on their body about two days after death. What makes this fungus so effective is its ability to spread very quickly among a population of aphids--outbreaks of the fungus have been found to be able to reduce aphid populations by up to 80% in less than a week.

Metarhizium

Metarhizium is a parasitic fungus that was first observed and researched as a pest control agent over a hundred years ago by Russian scientist Ilya Ilich Metschnikoff. A special mix of this fungus and oil, sold under the name "Green Muscle" because of the green spores it gives off, is currently being used in parts of Africa to control locust infestations, which have been a serious issue for crop growers for several years. While the fungus has been found to kill many types of insects, scientists have been able to isolate a strain that kills locusts only.

References

• University of Warwick: Entomopathogens and Biological Control
• University of Guelph: Beauveria Bassiana
• Drop Data: Locust Control and the Making of 'Green Muscle'
• Medical Journal: Biological Effects of the Entomopathogenic Fungus, Beauveria Bassiana on the Potato Tuber Moth Phthorimaea Opercullela
• University of Tennessee: Neozygites Fresenii ("The Aphid Fungus")