Biodiversity of entomopathogenic fungi genus Beauveria in the soils of arid zone
Abdukerim R. Khidirov K. Amangeldikyzy Z. Mussina M. Yeszhanov T. Gritsenko D. Mendybayeva A. Tursynkulov A.
December 2025GJESM Publication
Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management
2025#11Issue 1193 - 206 pp.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In recent years, there has been an increased need to reduce chemical pollutants, and studies of entomopathogenic fungi, which are natural regulators for several harmful insects, has become widespread. The diversity of entomopathogenic fungi provides an extensive array of natural strains that demonstrate significant virulence across numerous harmful insect species. Among entomopathogenic anamorphic ascomycetes, those fungi from the genus Beauveria are most studied. Studies have been conducted for the past two hundred years, meaning that most mycoinsecticides are based on the results of these studies. 2. Despite the extensive study of these fungi, further research into the cryptic species within the Beauveria genus and their geographical distribution is essential for discovering viable strains for pest control applications. This study aims to investigate the biodiversity of the genus Beauveria prevalent in the soils of southern Kazakhstan (Turkestan region). METHODS: Entomopathogenic fungi of the genus Beauveria are widespread in the natural ecosystem, including soil. Throughout 2023–2024, a series of soil samples were collected from diverse locations within the Turkestan region of southern Kazakhstan to facilitate the isolation of entomopathogenic fungi. The insect bait method was used to isolate entomopathogenic fungi. Larvae of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) were used as baits, with five replicates per sample, and placed in soil samples inside plastic containers. Once the larvae were infected, they were moved to a damp chamber to encourage the progression of mycosis. Fungal conidia were then transferred to Sabouraud’s agar medium. Species identification of the isolated fungi was conducted using classical light microscopy and molecular genetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer regions and the translation elongation factor 1 alpha gene. FINDINGS: Out of 41 isolates cultured in pure form, 36 were successfully identified in full. The polymerase chain reaction analysis of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene confirmed that every isolate is identified as Beauveria bassiana. However, analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region identified two cryptic species within the genus Beauveria: Beauveria bassiana and Beauveria pseudobassiana. The findings revealed that 84 percent of the isolates, totaling 31, were classified as Beauveria bassiana, while Beauveria pseudobassiana comprised 16 percent, equating to 5 isolates. CONCLUSION: The species composition of entomopathogenic fungi in the soils of southern Kazakhstan (Turkestan region) turned out to be quite modest and sparse, which explains the soil and climatic conditions of the region. The climate of the study region is marked by its distinct aridity. The sole fungi isolated belong to the genus Beauveria, known for its cosmopolitan nature. Isolation of viable entomopathogenic fungi demonstrates adaptation to arid conditions, which is very important in the context of climate change.
Bait insects , Beauveria bassiana , Beauveria pseudobassiana , biodiversity , Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) , Soil microorganisms
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Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University, Uralsk, 090009, Kazakhstan
Kazakh research institute of plant protection and quarantine named after Zh. Zhiembayev, Almaty, 050070, Kazakhstan
Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Institute of zoology, Almaty, 050060, Kazakhstan
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Kazakh National Agrarian Research University
Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University
Kazakh research institute of plant protection and quarantine named after Zh. Zhiembayev
Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology
Institute of zoology
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