Metarhizium

Definition

A genus of ascomycetous, insect-pathogenic fungi and a common inhabitant of soil worldwide.

Etymology

From Greek 'meta-', meaning 'after', and 'rhiza', meaning 'root'.

Example

Metarhizium anisopliae is a widely used biocontrol agent against various agricultural pests.

Related Terms

• Fungus
• Insect pathogen
• Biocontrol

Usage Notes

Metarhizium species are often categorized as either M. anisopliae or M. robertsii, but there is ongoing research regarding their taxonomic classification and potential hybridization.