Metarhizium anisopliae fungus shows potential for sugarcane pest control

A study conducted through the Instituto Federal Goiano evaluated the effectiveness of using the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae as a biological control agent against the root spittlebug (Mahanarva fimbriolata) in sugarcane crops.

The research, which involved spraying the fungus in commercial sugarcane fields, demonstrated near-total suppression of the pest population in the short term. While reinfestation occurred later, the results suggest that M. anisopliae serves as a sustainable alternative to chemical controls when integrated with other pest management practices.