Author: Master

The “white muscardine” fungus which is known as Beauveria bassiana is one of several entomopathogenic fungal organisms that are labeled for use in managing a wide array of insects in greenhouses and in nurseries. Beauveria bassiana as an entomopathogenic fungus have the capacity to penetrate the cuticle and kill almost every insect that it comes in contact with. While this is generally a good thing, Beauveria bassiana may also kill some biocontrol agents like ladybird beetles if they become exposed to it.

Beauveria bassiana is considered by many entomologists as one of the more effective biocontrol agents to deploy as a plug or cutting dip. Insects and some mites when exposed to this entomopathogenic fungus typically die within 4-5 days after exposure.

Source:https://extension.psu.edu/greenhouse-pest-prevention-with-beauveria-bassiana

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) has been exploited extensively to control insects that affect crops or are vectors of human and animal diseases.

Besides its entomopathogenic lifestyle, evidence has demonstrated that some Beauveria bassiana species are able to grow endophytically inside the plants and confer protection against pests and pathogens of different host plants therefore defining its role in agricultural crop production systems.

Furthermore, studies also report that combinatorial approaches may improve pest control and infectivity of Beauveria bassiana. This article reviews literature on the biological control abilities of Beauveria bassiana against pests of livestock as well as pathogens and pests of plants in the greenhouse and field.

Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus that causes white muscardine disease in a range of insects including whiteflies, aphids, thrips, grasshoppers and certain types of beetles and mites.

It differs from Nosema locustae in that it does not need to be ingested by the host; Beauveria bassiana spores simply need to come in contact with a host.

Once the host insect is infected, the fungus rapidly grows inside of the insect, feeding on the nutrients present in the host’s body and producing toxins in the process.

When the host dies, the Beauveria bassiana covers the carcass in a layer of white mold that produces more infective spores.

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