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A new frontier in mycophagy: Forficula auricularia on Podosphaera fusca

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Podosphaera fusca, poses a significant threat to global cucurbit cultivation. This report presents a noteworthy observation with potential implications for managing the prevalent biotic stress in cucumber crops. Our research unveils the active feeding behaviour of the earwig species Forficula auricularia on P. fusca, highlighting its potential as a promising natural biocontrol agent. Molecular identification techniques, resulting in accession number OQ102947, unequivocally confirmed the species as F. auricularia. While this discovery is promising, further studies are crucial to evaluate the biological control efficiency of F. auricularia against P. fusca in cucurbit crops.

Source: Plant Science Today

DOI: 10.14719/pst.12582

Authors: D Lham, S Nitika, T Anjana, S Shailja, K Puneet, M G Deeksha, S Suman, P Neha, G Niraj

Institutions: Birsa Agricultural University, Punjab Agricultural University, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Directorate of Weed Research

Language: English

Topic: Powdery Mildew Fungal Diseases

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7155106933

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