Killer Fungi called ZOMBIE PARASITE

in #nature7 years ago (edited)

Today I learned about killer fungi called zombie parasite that invades the body of an insect to grow and diminish the insect population. Fascinating animal video and one more time that nature amazed me in unbelivable ways.

And here is a bit longer video how photographer Anand Varma reveals how this nightmare scenario being acted out over and over across the natural world, as unsuspecting hosts are compelled to nurture and protect mind-sucking parasites.

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We used to learn about this fungi as an alternative to pesticides, especially in organic agriculture.

So, if you have a cultivar that is being attacked by some insects that are vulnerable to that fungi, you can simply introduce that fungi into your cultivar and your plants will be protected with no chemicals added in the process. Really cool stuff. :)

It is called biological methods for plants protection. It is based on using natural nemesis against pests. You can also use another insect that will eat insects that do damage on plants.
Applying natural nemesis isn't easy though... You need to know all biology about pest and about natural nemesis to do it right. But is it a great alternative to conventional pesticides and it is environment-friendly.

Thank you for your professionall comment. It is nice to have people around who know what are they talking about. It is very interesting way of protecting plants. From my laic point of view those fungi are nothing but phenomenal creepy killers.

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