Lecanicillium longisporum is a species of entomopathogenic (insect-pathogenic) fungus in the family Cordycipitaceae, order Hypocreales, phylum Ascomycota. It was previously widely known under the name Verticillium lecanii (Zimmerman) Viegas, but following a taxonomic revision by Zare and Gams in 2001, it was reclassified into the genus Lecanicillium. It is now understood to be an anamorphic (asexual) form within the Cordyceps group of genera.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
The species was first described in 1861 as Verticillium lecanii. Subsequent research revealed that isolates formerly classified under V. lecanii actually represent multiple distinct species, including L. attenuatum, L. lecanii, L. longisporum, L. muscarium, and L. nodulosum. The binomial name Lecanicillium longisporum was established by R. Zare and W. Gams in 2001.
Distribution and Biology
L. longisporum has a worldwide distribution. It is a filamentous fungus that infects soft-bodied arthropod pests, including aphids (e.g., Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii), whiteflies (e.g., Trialeurodes vaporariorum), thrips, scale insects (e.g., Icerya purchasi), and mealybugs (e.g., Planococcus citri). Infection occurs when insects come into contact with sticky fungal spores, which then germinate, penetrate the cuticle, and invade the insect's body. The fungus proliferates internally, consuming the host's internal organs and leading to death.
Use in Biological Control
L. longisporum is recognized for its biocontrol potential in horticulture and agriculture. The isolate GCRI 1-72 (IMI 179172) was first isolated and developed by scientists R. A. Hall and H. D. Burges at the Glasshouse Crops Research Institute (now Warwick HRI, UK). This isolate was subsequently commercialized and registered in the UK through a collaboration between GCRI and Tate and Lyle Ltd.
The fungus is marketed commercially under the product name Vertalec® by Koppert Biological Systems (Netherlands) for the management of aphid pests. Research has also evaluated its efficacy against powdery mildew and various insect pests in greenhouse conditions.
Key Characteristics
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Division: Ascomycota
- Class: Sordariomycetes
- Order: Hypocreales
- Family: Cordycipitaceae
- Genus: Lecanicillium
- Species: L. longisporum
- Binomial name: Lecanicillium longisporum R. Zare & W. Gams, 2001
