Distribution patterns of fungal entomopathogens in soil habitats: Natural occurrence, diversity and dynamics

Description

Fungal entomopathogens are seemingly ubiquitous in soils. An increasing number of surveys around the world have shown that ascomycete fungi from the Hypocreales can be isolated from soils of many habitats. Based on morphological characteristics of the fungi some patterns of distribution have emerged. However, recent developments in molecular characterization of

entomopathogenic fungi have revealed significant new insights into the distribution of genetic

groups of some taxa, including Beauveria spp, and possible restrictions to certain habitats. I will

present and discuss some of these distribution patterns and include new findings which indicate that

some fungi are restricted to underground lifestyles while others cycle between below- and

aboveground habitats within an agroecosystem.