Beauveria Bassiana: a parasitic fungus of insect pests

Beauveria Bassiana: a remedy against insects in agriculture

The Beauveria bassiana deserves special mention. is an antagonistic, endophytic and entomopathogenic fungus that was discovered by the entomologist Agostino Bassi in 1835. This microorganism acts as a parasite of several insect families and is therefore widely used for plant and crop protection in agriculture. The fungus, in particular, emits spores that, once in contact with the insect's cuticle and in the presence of appropriate thermo-hygrometric conditions, germinate and penetrate the body of the target insect by means of thin hyphae that are destined to expand and multiply inside. Infection stops if it occurs shortly before the insect moults. Otherwise, the fungus continues to develop and newly formed hyphae and blastospores enter the insect's circulatory system.

The development of the infection in the insect

At this point, the infection progresses, leading within 3-5 days to the death of the victim. Not only that, after the death of the insect and under conditions of high humidity (above 90%), conidial efflorescence may appear on the outside of the body. This is a kind of white foam that contributes to the further spread of the fungus infection. The fungus is therefore a real remedy against pests. However, it must be said that many of them have developed real natural defences against Beauveria bassiana over the years. Others, however, are susceptible and can therefore be exterminated by using the fungus in plant protection products.

Beauveria Bassiana: strains and use in agriculture

In this regard, it is worth mentioning that there are several strains of Beauveria Bassiana. The main ones are:

• Jw-1, Atcc 74040, which is sold in liquid formulation;
• Gha, which is sold in powder form.

Both strains can be used on various agricultural crops and to combat numerous insect species. In particular, this fungus is very effective on:

• Solanaceae (potato, tomato, aubergine, pepper)
• Cucurbitaceae (watermelon, melon, pumpkin, courgette, cucumber)
• Leafy vegetables (lettuce, endive, radicchio, basil)
• Carrot
• Stone fruit (peach, plum, apricot, almond, cherry)
• Pome fruit (apple, pear, quince, medlar, strawberry tree)
• Grapevine and olive tree
• Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, tangerines, clementines)
• Hazel
• Chestnut tree
• Fig and prickly pear
• Kako
• Flower crops
• Ornamental plants

Beauveria Bassiana is used in both organic and conventional farming. Not only that, this fungus can also be used, with due care, by those involved in the management and care of an organic home garden. In this regard, the market offers a wide range of articles and natural products, each more or less suitable for certain types of plants and crops.

Beauveria Bassiana: the benefits of Protendo

At MS Biotech, for instance, we offer Protendo, a product with an innovative liquid formulation designed to effectively help the plant to cope with and overcome stresses, both in the leaf and root system, created by the presence of phytophagous insects (Mites, Thrips, Elateridae, Diptera, etc.). Protendo exploits in particular the action of the fungus Beauveria bassiana which, in synergy with the selected PGPRs, is able to create natural biostimulation and accentuated plant growth with favourable effects on both the quality and quantity of production.