Certain entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana, are highly pathogenic to arthropod pests and are able to colonize plant tissues, thereby enhancing both plant growth and disease resistance. This study assessed three B. bassiana strains (CBM1, CBM2, and CBM3) for their pathogenicity toward insect larvae and colonization potential in wheat. The insecticidal activity of the fungi against the larvae of the major lepidopteran pests Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera frugiperda, Mythimna separata, and Plutella xylostella was determined. The fungi were then applied to wheat plants using seed immersion and soil drench methods; their colonization rates were compared, and the impacts of fungal colonization on wheat growth and survival were evaluated. The results demonstrated that all three strains were effective in reducing insect damage, with B. bassiana CBM1 exhibiting the highest pathogenicity followed by CBM3 and CBM2. B. bassiana CBM1 was particularly effective, with a significantly higher colonization rate achieved through soil drenching compared to seed immersion. The soil inoculation of B. bassiana resulted in increased plant height at 30 days after sowing (DAS) and root length at 15 DAS compared to the control group. B. bassiana CBM1-colonized wheat increased the mortality of fall armyworm. This research has enriched the biological control microbial resource pool and highlights the potential of B. bassiana in integrated pest management strategies.

This study delves into the potential insecticidal properties of Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) against the cutworm Spodoptera litura L., a significant agricultural pest. Analysis of the chemical profile of N. nucifera revealed that the peak area was highest for 6a-. beta. -Aporphine, 1,2-dimethoxy- (33.79%), followed by n-Hexadecanoic acid (21.14%). Notably, larval mortality was most pronounced at the peak dosage of N. nucifera (2.5 mg/L) on the second (96%), third (87%), and fourth (85%) instars. Additionally, sub-lethal dosages of N. nucifera (1.5 milligrams per liter) significantly hindered the growth of S. litura by extending the larval and pupal durations while also reducing fecundity and Oviposition rates in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, exposure to sub-lethal dosages of N. nucifera led to both inhibition and upregulation of major enzymes (esterases, CYP450 and GST). Severe damage as well as dysregulation of midgut tissues were observed in fourth instars of S. litura exposed to N. nucifera (2.5 milligrams per liter). Moreover, our results indicate that N. nucifera extracts pose no harm to soil earthworms and beneficial honey bees, as confirmed through in vitro assays and in silico predictions, respectively. Overall, these findings offer promising prospects for the development of new bio-based agents for targeting and managing the lepidopteran pest S. litura.