Filamentous fungi exhibit unparalleled potential as cell factories for protein production, owing to their adeptness in protein secretion and remarkable proficiency in post-translational modifications. This review delineates the role of filamentous fungi in bio-input technology across different generations and explores their capacity to generate secondary metabolites. Our investigation highlights filamentous fungi as frontrunners in the production of bioactive compounds, emphasizing the imperative nature of elucidating their metabolic repertoire. Furthermore, we delve into common strategies for genetic transformation in filamentous fungi, elucidating the underlying principles, advantages, and drawbacks of each technique. Taking a forward-looking approach, we explore the prospects of genome engineering, particularly the CRISPR-Cas9 technique, as a means to propel protein secretion in filamentous fungi. Detailed examination of the protein secretion pathways in these fungi provides insights into their industrial applications. Notably, extensive research within the scientific community has focused on Aspergillus and Trichoderma species for the industrial production of proteins and enzymes. This review also presents practical examples of genetic engineering strategies aimed at augmenting enzyme secretion in filamentous fungi for various industrial applications. These findings underscore the potential of filamentous fungi as versatile platforms for protein production and highlight avenues for future research and technological advancement in this field.

Entomopathogenic fungi stand out in the biological control of several agriculturally important insects. Six isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae, Cordyceps javanica, Beauveria sp. and B. bassiana were screened to control Anthonomus grandis, Euschistus heros, Oebalus poecilus, O. ypsilongriseus and Thyanta perditor, important insect pests of soybean, cotton and rice. The bioassays were conducted in a completely randomized design, with four replications (10 insects/replication). Significant differences for virulence were observed between the tested fungal species and isolates. For A. grandis, the most virulent isolate was M. anisopliae BRM 2335, followed by Beauveria BRM 14527 and BRM 67744 [82.5 to 97.5 % of mortality; average lethal time (LT₅₀) of 5.9 to 7.8 days]. M. anisopliae BRM 2335 was also highly virulent to the four stink bug species (75 to 97.5 % of mortality; LT₅₀ of 5.2 to 9.7 days). For the stink bugs, Beauveria sp. BRM 67744 was infectious to O. poecilus (75 % of mortality), but failed to control E. heros (16.9 % of mortality). C. javanica BRM 27666 and BRM 14526 showed average virulence to the stink bugs and A. grandis (17.5 to 57.3 % of mortality; LT₅₀ of 6.0 to 9.7 days). M. anisopliae was consistently more virulent to the stink bugs than the other fungi. Therefore, M. anisopliae BRM 2335 was selected for further studies under screenhouse and field conditions to control A. grandis and other stink bug species, especially E. heros.

Although women are about half of world’s population, they are underrepresented in many sectors including academia and the research scenario in general. Gender gap in Entomology has been pointed out in other publications; however, data for Brazil has never been demonstrated. Here we provide a diagnosis for the Brazilian Entomology scenario in order to contribute to propositions towards disentangling the gender gap in general. We analyzed scientometric data for Brazilian Entomology focusing on gender disparity and on personal perceptions related to the gender gap through an online questionnaire. We detected a pervasive gender bias in which the scissor-shaped curve is the most representative effect of it: women were the majority in lower degree stages but the minority in higher degree stages (permanent positions and positions of prestige and power). We also observed mentorship bias and discussed these results in light of intersectionality and the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender differences were perceived differently by the questionnaire respondents considering age, gender, and parenting. With this data and analyses, we have provided elements to stimulate and support change to a healthier and more equitable academic space.

The fungus Metarhizium anisopliae is under development as a bioinsecticide for Euschistus heros. To further elucidate the effect of this fungus on E. heros behavior, we monitored the feeding activities of adults treated with the fungus at 1 × 10⁸ conidia mL⁻¹ on soybean in the pod-filling stage (R5) through electropenetrography (EPG) AC-DC. We also determined the virulence of M. anisopliae to adults and its damage to soybean seeds. M. anisopliae displayed high levels of virulence to adults even at low concentrations of 5 × 10⁶ conidia mL⁻¹ (98% mortality). E. heros females were more susceptible to M. anisopliae than males, exhibiting a lower LT₅₀ for mycosed adults (7.1 and 9.7 days, respectively). The EPG experiment showed that fungus-treated adults spent significantly less time on probing activities (reduced by 86% at day four and ceased at day five) than untreated insects, and the number of waveform events per insect significantly decreased. This information is valuable for managing stink bugs at the field level, as it shows that even though the insect is alive, its feeding is compromised, consequently minimizing the damage inflicted to the crop. This study paves the way for further research employing entomopathogenic fungi in pest control.