Like plants and animals, fungi can also be infected by viruses, known as mycoviruses. These viruses interact with their fungal hosts in various ways, sometimes altering their behavior or pathogenicity. Among these interactions, mycoviruses that reduce the virulence of pathogenic fungi are gaining increasing attention as biological control agents (BCAs) for protecting agricultural crops.
In an article published in the Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, Matteo Galli (University of Giessen), Manfred Heinlein, and Karl-Heinz Kogel, holder of the 2024 Gutenberg Chair at IBMP, explore the potential of these viruses. They highlight two promising strategies:
- Using mycoviruses that induce hypovirulence in pathogenic fungi to mitigate plant fungal diseases.
- Exploiting mycoviruses that enhance the virulence of entomopathogenic fungi to target and control pest insects.
This publication provides an overview of recent advances in studying mycoviruses as potential BCAs while addressing the regulatory challenges surrounding their practical application. This research paves the way for innovative and sustainable solutions to protect crops, reduce chemical usage, and strengthen food security in the face of current environmental challenges.
