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Use
of entomopathogenic fungi in the biological control of pests
Since they are considered natural mortality agents and environmentally
safe, there is worldwide interest in the utilization and Manipulation
of entomopathogenic fungi for biological control of insects and other
arthropod pests. In particular, the asexual phases of Ascomycota Beauveria,
Metarhizium, Paecilomyces and others are under intense scrutiny due
to the traits favoring their use as Bioinsecticides.Production. Most
entomopathogenic fungi can be grown on artificial media. However,
some require extremely complex media; others, Like Beauveria bassiana
and Metarhizium anisopliae, can be grown on starch-rich substrates
like cereal grains.Virulence. The Entomophthorales are often reported
as causing high levels of mortality in nature. These fungi are highly
virulent. The Anamorphic Ascomycota are reported as causing epizootics
less frequently in nature. Typical
life cycle
Green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, killed by the fungus Pandora
neoaphidis Zygomycota: Entomophthorales.These fungi usually Attach
to the external body surface of insects in the form of microscopic
spores usually asexual, metaphoric spores also called Conidia. Under
permissive conditions of temperature and usually high moisture,
these spores germinate, grow as hyphae and colonize The insect's
cuticle; eventually they bore through it and reach the insects'
body cavity hemocoel. Then, the fungal cells proliferate in The
host body cavity, usually as walled hyphae or in the form of wall-less
protoplasts depending on the fungus involved. After some
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