Controlling insects and arthropods using preconidial mycelium and extracts of preconidial mycelium from entomopathogenic fungi

摘要

The present invention utilizes the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi and extracts of the preconidial mycelium as insect and arthropod attractants and/or pathogens. The preconidial preparations can be employed to limit the zoonotic and plant diseases they transmit. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material and extracts can be made thereof. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination with one or more antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, or genetically modified agents that result in reduced spread of contagions and lessens the damage they inflict on animals and plants.

主权项

1. An entomopathogenic fungal composition for attracting and controlling insects and arthropods that carry diseases comprising a preconidial preparation of an entomopathogenic fungus, wherein preconidial mycelium is cultured from a sector of an entomopathogenic fungus culture displaying the preconidial mycelium rather than those sectors displaying post-conidial mycelium to produce a preconidial mycelium, wherein the preconidial preparation is selected from the group consisting of preconidial mycelium cultured on a solid substrate, extract of preconidial mycelium cultured on a solid substrate and combinations thereof, and wherein the entomopathogenic fungus is selected from the group consisting of Metarhizium and Beauveria and combinations thereof.