Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast · Tad Hussey

Episode 155: Entomopathogenic Fungi Explained: Blastospores, Beauveria, and Smarter IPM with Julie Graesch

·1 hr 16 min·2 clips

The fungus creates a specialized structure that punches through the insect's skin.

Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast episode 155 features Julie Gretch (Bioworks biological scientist) explaining entomopathogenic fungi for pest management. Opens with 2026 Bozeman conference announcement. Entomopathogenic means insect-killing; EPFs are fungi ubiquitous in environment that infect insects through spore contact. Infection process: spore adheres to cuticle, germinates within 24-48 hours, creates hyphae that penetrates cuticle, enters hemolymph (blood). Fungus produces blastospores that circulate systemically causing rapid insect death plus mycotoxins contributing to septicemia. After death, fungus sporulates from cadaver (may be visible on soil under humid conditions, but absence doesn't indicate product failure). Commercial EPF products: Bavaria and Metarhizium sold as conidia spores (slower germination, longer shelf life); Cordyceps/Isaria sold as blastospores (faster germination, shorter shelf life). Each fungus has strain-specific strengths against different pest types. EPA registration requires efficacy and toxicology testing; EPFs are safe to mammals (require specific insect host, body temp > 86-90°F kills them). Growers should test multiple products, rotate for IPM program effectiveness.

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