Killer Australian fungus can gobble up widespread, pesticide-resistant armyworm from the inside
A pest called the fall armyworm has spread across the globe, threatening food security in more than 80 countries. But now, new research has revealed Australian fungi that eat the worms from the inside out — and may be the key to stopping the pests’ destructive spread.
Fall armyworms (_Spodoptera frugiperda_) are a type of grey moth native to tropical areas of Central and South America. They are now present in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, and have become one of the world’s most devastating corn crop pests.
Farmers have tried controlling these pests with pesticides, but the armyworms have developed quick resistance. Now, researchers from Australia’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) have identified five types of fungi that could potentially kill these dangerous pests.
Key Points
- Fall armyworms are now a widespread threat to crops globally.
- New research identifies Australian fungi that kill armyworms within a day.
- The fungus _Nomuraea rileyi_ infects and consumes the armyworms from the inside.
- Another fungus, _Beauveria bassiana_, can kill around 75% of armyworms in less than 48 hours.
- Careful resistance management is essential for effective use of biological control agents.
Why should I read this?
This article dives into an innovative approach to combat a major agricultural pest. With the ongoing challenges of pesticide resistance, the introduction of biological control through fungi could be a game changer for farmers and food security. Give it a read—you might just learn about the future of pest management and its potential environmental benefits!
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