Entomophaga praxibuli

Entomophaga praxibuli is a highly specialized entomopathogenic fungus belonging to the order Entomophthorales. It is not a plant disease in the traditional sense, but a beneficial microorganism that acts as a natural control agent against certain insect pests that threaten tree health.

The primary host for this fungus is the eucalyptus leaf beetle (Paropsis charybdis). The fungus infects the insect larvae and adults, utilizing their body mass for development, which eventually leads to the mortality of the host, significantly reducing pest pressure on plantations.

The symptoms of infection include the cessation of movement of the host and its attachment to the leaf surface, often in a characteristic posture. Once the insect dies, the fungus erupts through the cuticle, producing a dense layer of conidia that covers the cadaver with a white to grayish appearance.

Environmental conditions are critical for the success of Entomophaga praxibuli. High relative humidity and temperate weather facilitate the germination of spores and their spread across the canopy. In dense plantations, the fungus can initiate epizootics that naturally collapse local pest populations.

From an agronomical perspective, this fungus serves as a critical component of integrated pest management (IPM). By preserving the natural inoculum in the environment and avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides, growers can sustain the efficacy of this natural enemy, ensuring long-term ecological balance.

• Specific mortality of Paropsis charybdis.
• Sustainable alternative to chemical spraying.
• Minimal impact on non-target species.
• High efficiency in humid forest climates.