What does the published scientific research say about Metarhizium anisopliae?

Research on Metarhizium anisopliae efficacy spans multiple pest types. Peer-reviewed studies report lethal and transgenerational effects on Oxycarenus hyalinipennis, a cotton pest, and a systematic review of 49 parasitoid–microorganism combinations found M. anisopliae compatible with 38 pairings, supporting integration into broader IPM programs. Efficacy is not universal: one study found it a poor bed bug pathogen at ambient humidity, underscoring that humidity, strain selection, and application method all affect outcomes.

Peer-reviewed research also reports Metarhizium anisopliae plant growth promotion — increased fresh weight and chlorophyll content — in Arabidopsis, tomato, and maize, attributed to its endophytic lifestyle. The literature cites additional roles in abiotic stress tolerance and soil nutrient distribution, though the authors note these secondary functions remain far less documented than M. anisopliae's primary biocontrol use.