虫と戦う菌類 ― 自然が生んだ小さなヒーロー

The world’s population now exceeds 8 billion people. To provide sufficient food for everyone, we must grow large quantities of crops. However, crops are often eaten by pests.

To prevent pests, farmers sometimes use pesticides. While effective, pesticides can have harmful effects on humans, animals, and the environment. This is where a special type of fungus called “entomopathogenic fungi” is gaining attention.

This fungus causes disease in arthropods like insects and mites, ultimately killing them. However, it is harmless to humans, birds, fish, and other animals. Therefore, it is seen as a safer pest control method.

The fungus first attaches tiny spores to the pest’s body. It then enters the pest’s body, multiplies while feeding on its nutrients, and releases toxins that kill the pest. After the pest dies, the fungus spreads outside the body and produces new spores. These spores are carried by wind or water, spreading to other pests.

In Brazil, this fungus has been used for many years to protect sugarcane. It has also been found effective against mosquitoes that spread dengue fever and ticks that transmit Lyme disease.

Surprisingly, this fungus can even help plant growth. It works cooperatively with plants in the soil, making nutrients more accessible and protecting them from pests.

However, while it is considered “safe,” it is not entirely without issues. For example, it could potentially affect beneficial insects like honeybees, so careful use is necessary. Furthermore, the long-term environmental impact of prolonged use is not yet fully understood.

Even so, this fungus holds great potential as an environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides. It may become a vital component supporting the future of agriculture.