Isaria fumosorosea
Strength
1 x 10⁸ CFU per gram / 1 x 10⁹ CFU per gram / 1 x 10¹⁰ CFU per gram
Benefits
Long-term pest control
Provides a sustainable solution without causing resistance in pests.
Environmentally friendly
Isaria fumosorosea is safe for the environment and non-target organisms.
High specificity
Targets a wide range of plant sap-sucking insects like aphids, mites, and mealybugs.
Effective mode of action
Infects insects by disabling their exoskeletons, leading to their demise.
Scientific References
Scientific literature recognizes Isaria fumosorosea, also known in some references as Cordyceps fumosorosea or formerly Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, as an important entomopathogenic fungus used in biological pest control. It has been studied for its ability to infect and suppress several agricultural pests, particularly whiteflies, aphids, thrips, mealybugs, mites, and other soft-bodied insects.
The main infection process includes spore attachment, germination, cuticle penetration, internal fungal growth, and eventual pest suppression. Unlike many chemical insecticides that rely on direct toxicity or ingestion alone, entomopathogenic fungi infect insects through the outer body surface, making them useful against pests that feed in protected plant areas.
Isaria fumosorosea is especially relevant in greenhouse crops, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, tobacco, ornamentals, and other high-value crops where residue-conscious and biological pest-management solutions are required. It is commonly used as part of integrated pest management programs alongside monitoring, sanitation, biological control agents, compatible biofertilizers, and responsible spray rotation.
Mode of Action
Isaria fumosorosea is an entomopathogenic fungus used as a biological insecticide for the management of sap-sucking insects and other soft-bodied pests. It works primarily through contact with the insect body rather than relying only on ingestion.
After application, fungal spores come into contact with the insect cuticle. Under suitable humidity and temperature conditions, the spores attach to the insect surface, germinate, and produce germ tubes that penetrate the outer cuticle. Once inside the insect body, the fungus multiplies, disrupts normal physiological functions, and gradually suppresses the pest.
This biological mode of action makes Isaria fumosorosea a valuable tool in integrated pest management programs, especially against pests such as whiteflies, aphids, thrips, mites, mealybugs, leafminers, psyllids, and other difficult-to-manage insects. Because it acts biologically and targets insect hosts through fungal infection, it can help reduce dependence on conventional chemical insecticides and support resistance-management strategies.
For best performance, Isaria fumosorosea should be applied with good spray coverage, especially on the undersides of leaves and pest-harbouring zones. Adequate moisture, moderate temperatures, and early application at the first signs of pest activity improve the establishment and effectiveness of the fungus.
Additional Info
Target pests: Aphids, Black Vine Weevil, Broad Mites, Citrus Leafminer, Coleoptera grubs and larvae, Crown weevils, Japanese weevils, Leafminers, Lepidoptera caterpillars and larvae, Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), Psyllids, Root Worms (Chrysomelidae), Rust Mites (Aceria anthocoptes), Scarid Flies (Lycoriella spp.), Spider Mites (Tetranychidae), Thrips (Thysanoptera), Whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), Wireworms (Elateridae) and more.
Recommended Crops: Recommended for controlling insect pests (including mites) on vegetables, fruits, tobacco, mushrooms, and other food crops.
Compatibility: Compatible with Bio Pesticides, Bio Fertilizers, and Plant growth hormones but not with chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides.
Shelf Life: Stable within 1 year from the date of manufacturing.
Packing: We offer tailor-made packaging as per customers' requirements.
Dosage & Application
Wettable Powder: 1 x 10⁸ CFU per gram
Foliar Application:
1 Acre dose: 2 kg
1 Ha dose: 5 kg
Foliar Application for Long Duration Crops / Orchards / Perennials:
1 Acre dose: 2 kg
1 Ha dose: 5 kg
Apply 2 times a year: before the onset of monsoon and after the monsoon
Soluble Powder: 1 x 10⁹ CFU per gram
Foliar Application:
1 Acre dose: 200 g
1 Ha dose: 500 g
Foliar Application for Long Duration Crops / Orchards / Perennials:
1 Acre dose: 200 g
1 Ha dose: 500 g
Apply 2 times a year: before the onset of monsoon and after the monsoon
Application Methods
Foliar Application Method:
Mix Isaria fumosorosea at recommended doses in sufficient water and spray on soil during the off-season. Apply twice a year for long-duration crops. It is recommended to have the first application before the onset of the main monsoon/rainfall/spring season and the second application after the main monsoon/rainfall/autumn/fall season.
Note:
Do not store Isaria fumosorosea solution for more than 24 hours after mixing in water.
FAQ
What is Isaria fumosorosea used for?
Isaria fumosorosea is used as a biological insecticide for controlling agricultural and horticultural pests. It is especially useful against sap-sucking insects and soft-bodied pests such as whiteflies, aphids, thrips, mites, mealybugs, psyllids, and leafminers. It is commonly used in vegetables, fruits, tobacco, mushrooms, ornamentals, greenhouse crops, and other food crops as part of an integrated pest management program.
What insects does Isaria fumosorosea target?
Isaria fumosorosea targets a wide range of insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, thrips, mealybugs, spider mites, rust mites, psyllids, leafminers, citrus leafminer, scarid flies, black vine weevil, crown weevils, Japanese weevils, root worms, wireworms, Coleoptera grubs and larvae, and Lepidoptera caterpillars and larvae.
Is Isaria fumosorosea harmful to bees?
Isaria fumosorosea is generally considered more selective than broad-spectrum chemical insecticides and is widely used as a biological pest-control fungus. However, as with any pest-control product, it should be applied responsibly to reduce unnecessary exposure to pollinators. Avoid direct spraying on bees, active hives, and open flowers during peak foraging. Evening or early-morning application is usually preferred when pollinator activity is low.
How is Isaria fumosorosea applied?
Isaria fumosorosea is usually applied as a foliar spray. Mix the product in sufficient water according to the recommended dose and spray evenly over the crop canopy, targeting pest-prone areas and the underside of leaves. The spray solution should not be stored for more than 24 hours after mixing. For long-duration crops, orchards, and perennials, application may be repeated seasonally, such as before and after the main rainfall or monsoon period.
How does Isaria fumosorosea work?
Isaria fumosorosea works by infecting target insects through contact. The fungal spores attach to the insect body, germinate, penetrate the cuticle, and grow inside the insect. This disrupts the pest’s normal body functions and leads to pest suppression over time.
Is Isaria fumosorosea a chemical insecticide?
No. Isaria fumosorosea is not a chemical insecticide. It is a biological insecticide based on a beneficial entomopathogenic fungus. It is used as a microbial biocontrol agent in sustainable crop-protection and integrated pest-management programs.
What crops can Isaria fumosorosea be used on?
Isaria fumosorosea is suitable for crops where sucking pests, mites, and soft-bodied insects are a concern. It can be used on vegetables, fruits, tobacco, mushrooms, greenhouse crops, ornamentals, and other food crops. Always follow crop-specific recommendations and local label guidance.
When should Isaria fumosorosea be applied?
Isaria fumosorosea performs best when applied early, before pest populations become severe. It should be used at the first signs of pest activity or as part of a preventive biological pest-management schedule. Early application improves contact with young pest stages and supports better overall control.
What conditions improve Isaria fumosorosea performance?
Good spray coverage, moderate temperature, sufficient humidity, and active pest presence improve performance. Since fungal spores need suitable conditions to germinate and infect insects, very dry, hot, or harsh spray conditions may reduce effectiveness. Applying during cooler parts of the day can help improve results.
Can Isaria fumosorosea control whiteflies?
Yes. Isaria fumosorosea is widely used for whitefly management. It can infect several whitefly life stages when spores contact the insect body. Good coverage of the lower leaf surface is important because whiteflies commonly live and feed on the underside of leaves.
Can Isaria fumosorosea control thrips?
Yes. Isaria fumosorosea can help manage thrips, especially when used early and with thorough spray coverage. Since thrips often hide inside flowers, buds, and protected plant tissues, repeated applications and integration with other IPM tools may be necessary.
Can Isaria fumosorosea control mites?
Yes. Isaria fumosorosea can help manage spider mites, rust mites, broad mites, and related mite pests. It works best when applied before mite populations reach damaging levels and when spray coverage reaches the areas where mites are active.
Can Isaria fumosorosea be used with biofertilizers?
Yes. Isaria fumosorosea is generally compatible with many biofertilizers, biopesticides, and plant growth-promoting products. However, compatibility should always be checked before tank mixing, especially when combining multiple biological products.
Can Isaria fumosorosea be mixed with chemical pesticides?
Direct mixing with chemical pesticides is not recommended unless compatibility has been confirmed. Many chemical fungicides and some pesticides can reduce the viability of fungal spores. If chemical treatments are needed, apply them separately and maintain an appropriate interval.
Can Isaria fumosorosea be used in organic farming?
Isaria fumosorosea is a biological pest-control organism and can be suitable for organic and residue-conscious farming programs when the final product formulation complies with local organic standards. Growers should always confirm certification status and local regulatory approval before use.
How long does Isaria fumosorosea take to work?
Isaria fumosorosea is a biological control agent, so it does not act as instantly as many chemical knockdown insecticides. Pest suppression usually develops gradually after spores infect the insect. Visible effects depend on pest species, pest stage, humidity, temperature, spray coverage, and infestation level.
Why is spray coverage important for Isaria fumosorosea?
Spray coverage is critical because Isaria fumosorosea works mainly through contact. Spores must reach the insect body to begin infection. For pests such as whiteflies, thrips, mites, and mealybugs, spraying the underside of leaves, young shoots, flowers, and sheltered plant areas improves performance.
What is the recommended dosage for Isaria fumosorosea?
For wettable powder at 1 × 10⁸ CFU per gram, the recommended foliar dose is 2 kg per acre or 5 kg per hectare. For soluble powder at 1 × 10⁹ CFU per gram, the recommended foliar dose is 200 g per acre or 500 g per hectare. Application rates may vary depending on pest pressure, formulation strength, crop type, and local recommendations.
How should Isaria fumosorosea be stored?
Store Isaria fumosorosea in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed after opening. Avoid storing mixed spray solution for more than 24 hours, as microbial viability may decline after dilution.
What is the shelf life of Isaria fumosorosea?
The product is stable within one year from the date of manufacturing when stored under recommended conditions. Storage temperature, humidity, packaging integrity, and handling practices can affect microbial viability.
Is Isaria fumosorosea suitable for IPM programs?
Yes. Isaria fumosorosea is highly suitable for integrated pest management programs. It can be combined with pest monitoring, beneficial insects, sanitation, crop rotation, resistant varieties, compatible biopesticides, and carefully planned chemical rotations to reduce pest pressure sustainably.
What is the difference between Isaria fumosorosea and chemical insecticides?
Chemical insecticides often act through direct toxicity, nervous system disruption, or feeding inhibition. Isaria fumosorosea works biologically by infecting insects through fungal spores. This makes it useful as a residue-conscious and resistance-management tool, although it usually requires better timing, coverage, and environmental conditions than conventional chemical sprays.
