<div>Background: Tick infestation in cattle is commonly controlled using chemical acaricides producing acaricidal resistance, environmental pollution and hazards to human health. Biological control of ticks using entomopathogenic fungi can be an alternative to chemical acaricides and can be used in conjunction with chemical control in integrated pest management.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The isolation of entomopathogenic fungi was carried out from naturally infected ticks in Durg district of Chhattisgarh. The species confirmation of fungal isolates was conducted by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using ITS gene as a molecular marker. In vitro efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi at various concentrations against engorged (adult) female ticks and unfed (Nymphs), egg laying capacity and egg hatchability of treated Rhipicephalus microplus was assessed in laboratory.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The entomopathogenic fungi isolated from naturally infected ticks was confirmed as Fusarium beomiforme by morpho- molecular analysis. The efficacy of F. beomiforme against adult female and nymphs of R. microplus at the concentration of n x 108 spores ml-1 showed 100% mortality. The 100% reduction of egg laying capacity of treated female ticks and no hatchability of eggs treated with F. beomiforme at the concentration of n x 107 spores ml-1 and n x 108 spores ml-1 was observed.</div>

Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic Fungi Fusarium beomiforme against Rhipicephalus microplus Tick Infestation in Cattle

Background: Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are natural adversaries of insects, serving a crucial role in the regulation of insect pest populations. In response to the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize environmental protection, human safety and animal welfare, the utilization of bio-control agents like entomopathogenic fungi offers a superior and safe alternative to chemical pesticides. Entomopathogenic fungi effectively infect and eliminate insects, thereby contributing to the control of insect populations through the induction of lethal infections known as epizootics. Isolating EPF from the soil is an effective method as they naturally inhabit soil ecosystems. The north-eastern region of India possesses a forest cover exceeding 80%, with Manipur alone accounting for nearly 75% of forest cover in its total geographical area. This abundant forest cover, along with undisturbed land, contributes to the region&rsquo;s wealth of micro flora and fauna, including a thriving population of entomopathogenic fungi. However, the potential of these fungi in pest population management remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the diversity of these promising entomopathogenic fungi. 
 
Methods: In this study, we isolated fungi from the soils of ten districts of Manipur and identified several isolates with entomopathogenic properties. Soil bating using Galleria mellonella larvae was employed for the isolation of entomopathogenic fungi.&nbsp; 
 
Result: A total of 73 fungal isolates were obtained from 100 soil samples, out of which 54 were identified as entomopathogenic fungi. The genus Aspergillus constituted the most commonly isolated entomopathogenic fungi, followed by isolates of Beauveria, Clonostachys, Talaromyces, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Candida and Meyerozyma genera. Diversity studies revealed variations in the types and proportions of fungi among different regions of Manipur. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the virulence of the isolated entomopathogenic fungi, with 14 isolates of Beauveria bassiana and two isolates of Talaromyces purpureogenus causing 100% mortality of the test insects. The isolated fungi exhibited excellent performance in insect control and could be further mass-produced for effective pest management.

Isolation and Identification of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soils of Manipur (N-E India)

<div>Background: Rice is the staple food of Indians and it is attacked by more than 100 species of insects. Among all, brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens&nbsp;(Stal) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is one of the major sucking insects, which can cause appreciable damage by sucking sap on other hand transmitting viral diseases. Farming community using several insecticides for managing the BPH. However, continuous use of these insecticides causes health hazards and environmental pollution and also leads to development of insecticide resistance. Keeping this view in mind, the present investigation has been planned with combined use of fungal formulations and commonly used neonicotinoid insecticides in rice eco system for managing BPH.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: This experiment was carried out in two parts, one is studied the compatibility between neonicotinoids (Thiamethoxam 25 SG and Dinotefuran 20 SG) and entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Lecanicillium lecanii =Verticillium lecanii) by following the standard poison food technique. Second one is after studied the compatibility between neonicotinoids and entomopathogenic fungal agents, inhibitory studies were conducted under glasshouse conditions. 
 
Result: The study revealed that two tested insecticides affected the radial growth of fungi partially at all the three concentrations (0.5RC, RC and 1.5RC). At recommended concentration (RC), dinotefuran 20 SG @0.4 g/l was found to be slightly harmful to all three fungi (20% - 35% reduction of the growth of the fungus) and thiamethoxam 25 SG @ 0.25g/l appeared to be slightly harmful to B. bassiana and M. anisopliae and moderately harmful to L. lecanii (35-50% reduction of the growth of the fungus). Thiamethoxam 25SG alone recorded 65.0% mortality of BPH and when mixed with B. bassiana and M. anisopliae gave 86.25% and 81.25% mortality of BPH respectively under glass house conditions. Similarly, Dinotefuron 20 SG alone could gave 98.75% mortality of BPH.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Compatibility of Entomopathogenic Fungi with Neonicotinoids for the Management of Brown Plant Hopper of Rice, Nilaparvata lugens stal. (Delphacidae: Hemiptera)</div>

Mustard (Brassica juncea) is a versatile and widely cultivated plant in the Brassicaceae family. Among the primary factors impeding mustard yield, insect pest damage stands prominent. Insect pests such as mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi), mustard sawfly (Athalia lugens proxima), painted bug (Bagrada hilaris), diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)and cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae) cause significant damage to mustard production. The excessive reliance on chemical insecticides to control these insect pests may negatively affect non-target organisms such as beneficial insects, pollinatorsand natural enemies of pests, thus disrupting ecosystem balance and posing risks to biodiversity. In pursuit of sustainable alternatives to broad-spectrum chemical pesticides, entomopathogens play a pivotal role in safer pest management strategies. These biological control agents, including various fungi, bacteria, virusesand nematodes, specifically target insect pests while being safer for non-target organisms and the environment. With more widespread commercialization, entomopathogenic fungi hold significant promise in bolstering integrated pest management practices.

Scope of Entomopathogenic Fungi in the Mustard Ecosystem:&nbsp; A Review

Background: Biological plant protection with entomopathogenic fungi is a vital component of sustainable pest management. The most widely used entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium sp. And Isaria sp., though there are several other genera of EPF whose potential correlates to that of commonly used fungi for reducing insect pests. The primary goal of this study was to assess the efficiency of a few novel fungal isolates against insect pests.

Methods: Two concentrations of four different entomopathogenic fungi were evaluated for their potency against wax moth larvae, Galleria mellonella at Insectary, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

Result: Mortality was observed in both the concentrations of four fungi, among which Penicillium simplicissimum performed well on par with Clonostachys rosea and Purpureocillium lilacinum. Hence, these fungi could be formulated and utilized in biological pest control.

Novel Entomopathogenic Fungi of Tamil Nadu Soils and Their Pathogenicity on Waxmoth Larva (Galleria mellonella)

<div>Background: Entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) can provide safe and efficient insect pest management. Temperature, relative humidity (RH), light, air, nutritional content and host physiological condition are all elements that impact the proliferation and virulence of entomopathogenic fungus. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of different temperatures on germination, growth, sporulation of entomopathogenic fungi and on their pathogenicity against Tetranychus urticae Koch was studied.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Laboratory experiment was conducted to study the impact of temperature on germination, radial growth and sporulation of five entomopathogenic fungal isolates viz., B. bassiana (Bb 111), B. bassiana (Bb 112), B. bassiana (Bb 113), B. bassiana (Bb 114) and M. flavoviride var. minus. Virulence of five entomopathogenic fungal isolates subjected to different temperature against T. urticae also evaluated through laboratory bioassay techniques. 
 
Result: Results one valuation of entomopathogenic fungal isolates with four different temperatures at 20&deg;C, 25&deg;C, 30&deg;C and 35&deg;C showed that 25&deg;C was optimum for germination, radial growth and sporulation. Maximum germination was recorded with the entomopathogenic isolate Beauveria bassiana (Bb 112) (95.67%) at 25&deg;C. Interestingly, at 25&deg;C all the B. bassiana isolates showed a radial growth of more than 50 mm with the highest recorded as 84.67 mm by B. bassiana (Bb 111).&nbsp; Maximum spore production was observed with B. bassiana (Bb 112) at 25&deg;C (1.63 x 106 spores ml-1) followed by B. bassiana (Bb 111) (1.45 x 106 spores ml-1).&nbsp; It was also the most pathogenic against T. urticae at 25 and 30&deg;C. The isolate Bb112 grown at 25&deg;C caused higher mortality of 97.57 per cent against T. urticae. From the findings the isolates of B. bassiana (Bb 112) and (Bb 111) were found promising bio control agent against T. urticae with varying temperature.</div>

Laboratory Evaluation of Temperature Effects on Germination, Radial Growth and Sporulation of Entomopathogenic Fungi and on Their Pathogenicity to Red Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch

<div>Background: A laboratory bioassay study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro pathogenicity of different isolates of B. bassiana, M. anisopliae and L. lecanii, against the adults of black bean aphid.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The PCR-based method was used to identify the different isolates molecularly using sequence information from the ITS region. The total genomic DNA of the 19 fungal isolates was recovered from aphid cadavers using CTAB. The amplified DNA using QRT-PCR showed no significant differences in the ANOVA that tested mean cycle threshold (CT) values from the control. Post-molecular identification of the isolated entomopathogen was approved. The single discriminative concentration bioassay was carried out to determine LT50 values for each of twelve isolates to determine the most virulent for further studies.&nbsp; 
 
Result: LT50 values for B. bassiana, M. anisopliae and V. lecanii isolates varied from 110-113, 71-75 and 64-77 h, respectively. B. bassiana isolate BBK2, M. anisopliae isolate MAA2 and V. lecanii isolates VLJ2 were selected for further experiments based on their discriminating concentration values. LC50 of BBA post-exposure to isolates of V. lecanii, M. anisopliae and B. bassiana was 46, 269 and 251 ppm, respectively. A significant difference in cumulative mortality was recorded between the three EPF. M. anisopliae showed a higher significant cumulative mortality during the first and second days post-application. Then V. lecanii recorded higher significant cumulative mortality from the third until the seventh-day post-application. V. lecanii showed higher virulence among the other entomopathogenic isolates.</div>

Efficacy of Three Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Lecanicillium lecanii Isolates against Black Bean Aphid, Aphis fabae (Scop.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

Background: The escalating threat of mosquito-borne diseases demands innovative control strategies. This study explored the potential of beetle-associated fungi as biological control agents against Culex mosquito larvae in southwestern Algeria. 
 
Methods: Fungal strains were isolated from beetle carcasses collected from pesticide-free regions of Beni Abb&egrave;s and B&eacute;char using dilution plating techniques. Based on metabolic profiles, four strains were selected for bioassays: Three Aspergillus species and one Penicillium species. Culex larvae were exposed to fungal concentration of 106&nbsp;conidia/ml in sterile rearing water. Larval mortality was monitored daily over seven days. 
 
Result: The results demonstrated significant larval mortality across all fungal strains. Aspergillus species showed faster mortality rates within three to five days, while Penicillium sp took seven days to show complete death. The LT50&nbsp;values also confirm the rapid action of Aspergillus strains with Aspergillus sp 1 showing the most potent activity (LT50=1.25 days). On the other hand, Penicillium sp was slower with an LT50&nbsp;value of 3 days, these findings highlight the power EPF associated with beetles to be an effective tool for mosquito management in the region. 
&nbsp;

Unveiling the Entomopathogenic Potential of Beetle-associated Fungi for Culex Management in South-West Algeria

Background: The increasing incidence of fungal phytopathogens poses a serious threat to the balance of our ecosystem. While chemical fungicides are commonly used for disease control, their excessive application leads to environmental contamination, the development of resistant pathogen strains and the disruption of beneficial soil microbiota. This has intensified the search for eco-friendly and sustainable biocontrol alternatives. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: In the present study, phytopathogenic fungi Penicillium citrinum, Bipolaris sorokiniana and Alternaria alternata were isolated from diseased Morus alba and Melia azedarach. Simultaneously, rare and underexplored non-pathogenic fungi, Purpureocillium sodanum, Talaromyces pinophilus and Aspergillus ochraceopetaliformis were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of healthy Morus alba trees growing near the Bhakhra riverbank. Fungal identification was conducted based on colony morphology, microscopic features and molecular analysis using 18S rRNA sequencing. The antagonistic potential of these non-pathogenic isolates was evaluated in vitro using dual culture assays against the phytopathogenic fungi. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Dual culture assays revealed significant antagonistic effects, with inhibition percentages ranging from 33.3% to 85.7%. Among the isolates, P. sodanum showed the highest inhibition (85.7%) against A. alternata, surpassing the commonly reported efficacy of standard Trichoderma strains. Enzymatic assays further indicated the production of hydrolytic enzymes, suggesting multiple mechanisms of pathogen suppression. This study presents Purpureocillium sodanum as a highly effective in vitro antagonist with superior inhibition compared to standard Trichoderma strains. These findings support its potential as a novel, eco-friendly biocontrol agent and warrant further investigation for broader agricultural applications.

In vitro Evaluation of Three Unexploited Fungi for Their Biocontrol Potential against Selected Phytopathogenic Fungi

<div>Background: Entomopathogenic fungi are microorganisms that specifically infect and often kill insects and other arthropods. Most are non-pathogenic to plants and relatively non-toxic to humans and animals. Use of fungal entomopathogens can be an alternative to insecticides and could help in bio-intensive pest management. The current study aimed to study the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungal isolates against two Spotted Spider Mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch in tomato and broad Mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) in chilli.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: An extensive survey for the natural occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi on insects and mites was made in different agro climatic regions of Tamil Nadu during 2013 and 2014. Survey revealed the occurrence of two entomopathogenic fungi viz., Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Metarhizium flavoviride Gams and Rozsypal var. minus. Laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity of fourteen isolates of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Lecanicillium lecanii against Tetranychus urticae and Polyphagotarsonemus latus.&nbsp; 
 
Result: In opposition to T. urticae, the Beauveria bassiana isolate Bb 112 showed the highest toxicity of all the other isolates tested, with low LC50 value of 0.6 x106 spores ml-1 and LT50 of 92.60h. Against P. latus, Bb 112 had high virulence with low LC50 value of 0.3x106 spores ml-1 and LT50 value of 92.32h. Hence, there is potential for use of entomopathogenic fungi in the field conditions as an alternate control method in combating the insect pests and other arthropod pests since they are considered natural mortality agents and are environmentally safe.</div>

<div>Entomopathogenic Fungal Screening against Two Spotted Spider Mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch in Tomato and Broad Mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) in Chilli</div>