A recent study published in Neotropical Entomology (2025) demonstrates the dual role of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana in controlling cabbage aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae) and promoting plant growth. Researchers from Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo assessed three strains—GHA, GxABT-1, and KA14—under laboratory and field conditions.
The endemic strain KA14, isolated from eastern DRC, exhibited strong virulence with a median lethal time (LT₅₀) of four days, comparable to the commercial GHA strain. Remarkably, KA14 also colonized plant tissues more efficiently, suggesting an additional endophytic role that supports cabbage growth.
Field trials in eastern DRC revealed that fungal treatments performed on par with chemical insecticides in reducing aphid infestations, but without the associated environmental and health risks. Moreover, plants treated with B. bassiana displayed improved growth, reinforcing the potential of fungal endophytes as biostimulants in sustainable farming.
The study underscores the promise of integrating native B. bassiana strains into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems as eco-friendly alternatives to pesticides. The authors recommend further exploration of endemic strains like KA14 to optimize biocontrol efficiency and sustainability in African cropping systems.
Reference
Gakuru, P. N., Cokola, M. C., Dessauvages, K., Mate Mweru, J.-P., Muhashy Habiyaremye, F., Caparros Megido, R., Francis, F., & Ben Fekih, I. (2025). Dual Impact Assessments of Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Against Brevicoryne brassicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Neotropical Entomology, 54(1), 111. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-025-01327-w
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