Entomopathogenic fungus
- Bryan Ramírez Castro
- Jun 6, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 12
Entomopathogenic fungi are important controllers of pest-insects populations in agricultural production systems and in natural environment.
These fungi have enzymatic machinery which involve since the recognition and adherence of spores in their hosts culminating with infection and death of these insects. (Fernandes, E. G., Valério, H. M., Feltrin, T., & Van Der Sand, S. T. (2012)).
Entomopathogenic fungi are able to cause infection to their hosts simply because the germinated spores have the ability to penetrate directly through the insect's cuticle by enzymatic hydrolysis.
The entomopathogenic fungi produce a range of cuticle degrading enzymes corresponding to different polymers of the insect cuticle. (Weiguo Fang, Monica Pava-ripoll, Sibao Wang, Raymond St. Leger. 2008)
From mind-controlling fungi to evolutionary marvels — the hidden world of entomopathogenic fungi in Costa Rica and the Neotropics is stranger (and more fascinating) than fiction. 🍄 Want to explore this eerie, brilliant ecosystem with an expert guide? Book your field expedition or private tour — message us on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/N2EQJK4Q7RXHH1 and let’s uncover nature’s most unexpected strategies together.
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