The genus Purpureocillium is renowned for its role in biocontrol and biotechnological applications. The identification of new species within this genus is crucial for broadening our understanding of its ecological roles and potential utility in sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to characterize a new species of Purpureocillium, isolated from soil in eastern China, and to evaluate its bioactivity against Ostrinia furnacalis (corn moth) and Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth). We utilized morphological characterization; molecular phylogenetic analysis employing ITS, nrLSU, and tef1 genes; and bioactivity assays to identify and characterize the new species. The newly identified species, Purpureocillium jiangxiense sp. nov., displays unique morphological and genetic profiles compared to known species. Bioactivity tests showed that this species exhibits inhibitory effects against O. furnacalis and G. mellonella, highlighting its potential in biocontrol applications. By the ninth day at a spore concentration of 1 × 10⁸ spores/mL, the mortality rate of the corn moth and greater wax moth reached 30% to 50% respectively. The discovery of P. jiangxiense sp. nov. adds to the genetic diversity known within this genus and offers a promising candidate for the development of natural biocontrol agents. It underscores the importance of continued biodiversity exploration and the potential for natural solutions in pest and disease management.

Sustainable agriculture requires the development of biological control technologies. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are important resources of microbial control agents, yet their diversity in soil with various habitats remains poorly understood. In this study, we systematically investigated the EPF diversity in soils of eastern China. A total of 455 strains of 42 EPF species belonging to 18 genera were isolated and identified from 540 soil samples collected from 108 sites representing five habitats (crop, orchard, forest, fallow, and grasslands) in Anhui, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong, Shanghai, and Zhejiang regions. Habitats had a greater influence on EPF diversity than regions. Overall, EPF diversity in natural habitats (forests and grasslands) was slightly higher than in agricultural habitats (crops, orchards, and fallow lands), particularly in terms of species richness. Among agricultural habitats, orchard had the highest evenness and relatively low species richness, while fallow land showed the lowest diversity, which may be related to management intensity or vegetation cover. Furthermore, the results also demonstrated the similarity of the EPF community structures among different habitats or regions; Purpureocillium lilacinum was the dominant species, while Penicillium citrinum and Metarhizium anisopliae were the minor dominant species in all habitats. In contrast, Metarhizium robertsii , Penicillium janthinellum , Marquandomyces marquandii , and Trichoderma spirale exhibited variable dominance depending on the habitat. This research provides new insights to understand the fungal diversity. IMPORTANCE: We recognized a total of 455 strains of 42 entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) species in 18 genera, including 7 putative new species with substantial insecticidal activity, which have potential for application as biological control agents. The discovery will enhance the understanding that agricultural activity interferes with the EPF distribution. Furthermore, the results highlight the conservation and application of EPF.

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