Entomophthora egressa

Entomophthora egressa is a specialized species of entomopathogenic fungi belonging to the Entomophthorales order. Unlike plant pathogens that infect plant tissues, this microorganism is an obligate parasite of insects, particularly larvae of Lepidoptera, such as the gypsy moth. Its biological function is the natural suppression of pest populations in forest and agricultural ecosystems.

The disease is triggered by fungal spores that germinate upon contact with the insect's cuticle. The infection progresses inside the host, where the mycelium actively consumes nutrients, gradually replacing internal organs and tissues. This process leads to the inevitable death of the insect, after which the fungus produces new spores to spread further throughout the population.

The primary hosts for this fungus are gypsy moth larvae. The damage to the pest population is caused by the high rate of infection; under favorable conditions, an epizootic can affect a large portion of the population, leading to a sharp decrease in the number of pests without the use of chemical pesticides.

Successful spread of the infection requires specific environmental conditions, primarily high relative humidity and moderate temperatures. In dry and hot weather, the activity of the fungus drops significantly, as the spores become vulnerable to UV radiation and dehydration, which limits the effectiveness of biological control measures.

Within the framework of integrated pest management, the use of natural entomopathogens is considered a promising method for reducing chemical pesticide reliance. Prevention involves maintaining biological diversity in forest stands and orchards, creating a favorable environment for the preservation of natural fungal infection centers that naturally regulate the numbers of insect phytophages.

• High host specificity
• Dependence on humidity levels
• Natural regulation of pest populations
• Safety for beneficial pollinating insects