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Engineered Fungi Targets Mosquitoes, Promises Eco-Friendly Control

11/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers engineered a strain of Metarhizium that emits longifolene to attract mosquitoes and kill them, achieving a 90–100% mortality rate in laboratory tests.
Researchers see the approach as a safer alternative to chemical pesticides because it targets only mosquitoes and is environmentally friendly.
The team plans outdoor trials and aims to offer diverse mosquito control options, particularly in regions affected by climate change.

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Story summary

Researchers engineered a strain of Metarhizium that emits longifolene to attract mosquitoes and kill them, achieving a 90–100% mortality rate in laboratory tests.
Researchers see the approach as a safer alternative to chemical pesticides because it targets only mosquitoes and is environmentally friendly.
The team plans outdoor trials and aims to offer diverse mosquito control options, particularly in regions affected by climate change.