ARS scientists, led by Enrique Cabanillas, have discovered a new fungus, Isaria poprawskii, that effectively kills silverleaf whiteflies, a major pest known for causing significant crop damage. This fungus, isolated from infected whiteflies, shows promise as a biological control agent due to its ability to survive in harsh conditions and target both whiteflies and the glassy-winged sharpshooter, another harmful insect. The discovery offers a potential environmentally friendly solution to managing these pests, which are difficult to control with traditional pesticides.
