Describe the role and action of Beauveria bassiana as a biocontrol agent.

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Multiple Choice

Describe the role and action of Beauveria bassiana as a biocontrol agent.

Beauveria bassiana acts as a fungal entomopathogen, meaning it is a fungus that kills insects. It begins by sticking to the insect’s cuticle and sending germ tubes. The fungus then penetrates the cuticle using appressoria and by releasing enzymes such as proteases and chitinases that break down the protective exoskeleton. Inside the insect, it proliferates in the body cavity, often producing toxins that disrupt the host’s physiology, leading to death. After the insect dies, the fungus grows from the cadaver and forms airborne conidia, which spread to infect new hosts. This living pest-control method is used in agriculture and forestry because it directly reduces pest populations without relying on chemical insecticides. It is not a bacterium, not a chemical insecticide, and not an insect predator.

Beauveria bassiana acts as a fungal entomopathogen, meaning it is a fungus that kills insects. It begins by sticking to the insect’s cuticle and sending germ tubes. The fungus then penetrates the cuticle using appressoria and by releasing enzymes such as proteases and chitinases that break down the protective exoskeleton. Inside the insect, it proliferates in the body cavity, often producing toxins that disrupt the host’s physiology, leading to death. After the insect dies, the fungus grows from the cadaver and forms airborne conidia, which spread to infect new hosts. This living pest-control method is used in agriculture and forestry because it directly reduces pest populations without relying on chemical insecticides. It is not a bacterium, not a chemical insecticide, and not an insect predator.

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