Engineered Sweet-Smelling Fungus Lures Mosquitoes to Their Death

In a groundbreaking development in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases, researchers have engineered a strain of Metarhizium fungus that emits a floral scent to attract and kill mosquitoes. This innovative approach leverages the insects’ natural attraction to flowers, offering a novel strategy to combat diseases like malaria and dengue, which have become increasingly resistant to traditional chemical pesticides.

Co-author Raymond St. Leger, PhD, highlights that the engineered fungus produces longifolene, a compound previously unknown for its mosquito-attracting properties. This discovery not only enhances the efficacy of the fungus but also presents a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides, which have seen diminishing returns due to resistance. The implications of this research are significant, as the engineered spores can effectively lure and eliminate mosquitoes in various environments, potentially transforming mosquito control strategies worldwide.