Entomologia
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Item Sojas transgênicas com duas e três toxinas Bt: resistência prévia e efeitos transgeracionais como condicionantes do manejo de Spodoptera frugiperda(Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 2025-06-13) Moraes, João Gabriel Tardin de; Pereira, Eliseu José Guedes; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2250860245839004Sistemas intensivos de cultivo de soja, milho e algodão na América do Sul têm alterado o status de praga de Spodoptera spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em soja sob adoção em larga escala de certas cultivares transgênicas produzindo toxinas de Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Nesse cenário, S. frugiperda destaca-se pela sua tolerância e resistência a Bt e é preciso compreender o impacto da composição de toxinas Bt produzidas nos tecidos da planta, dos estágios de desenvolvimento do inseto e da planta e dos potenciais efeitos (trans)geracionais resultantes da interação desses fatores. Assim, este trabalho objetivou determinar: i) o impacto de sojas Bt com 0, 1, 2, ou 3 toxinas Bt sobre a comunidade de artrópodes do cultivo; ii) o efeito letal das sojas durante os estágios de crescimento das plantas contra S. frugiperda de diversos genótipos e ínstares larvais; e iii) os efeitos subletais, geracionais e transgeracionais decorrentes da exposição dos insetos às toxinas Bt das sojas. Os resultados de dois anos de cultivo indicaram que as sojas Bt afetaram seletivamente os lepidópteros, mas não se detectou efeito delas na densidade populacional de inimigos naturais de pragas ou em artrópodes detritívoros. Nos tecidos foliares das plantas, a cultivar com Cry1Ac + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 foi a mais eficaz contra as lagartas neonatas, incluindo aquelas de populações resistentes a Bt Cry1 e Cry2, reduzindo o tempo médio de sobrevivência em até 74% e causando mortalidade >80% em 7 dias. As cultivares com Cry1Ac ou com Cry1Ac + Cry1F mostraram eficácia relativamente menor contra as lagartas. Observou-se queda significativa no índice de desempenho biótico na geração F1 das populações suscetível e resistente a Cry1 expostas às cultivares Bt na geração parental, indicando a presença de efeitos transgeracionais. A taxa intrínseca de crescimento populacional, estimada dos dados de desenvolvimento e fertilidade, apresentou valores negativos para essas populações, evidenciando efeitos subletais duradouros e transgeracionais. Esses resultados indicam que as sojas transgênicas Bt podem causar efeitos subletais que passam à geração seguinte e a soja com 3 toxinas Bt tem potencial para bom controle de S. frugiperda nos cultivos. Contudo, eles devem ser acompanhados e a adoção de programas de manejo integrado de pragas pode ser necessário para preservar a eficácia de controle de toxinas de Bt ativas contra as lagartas e o potencial produtivo nas culturas de soja, milho e algodão. Palavras-chave: lagarta-do-cartucho; Bacillus thuringiensis; toxinas Cry1 e Cry2; artropodofauna; efeitos letais; subletais.Item Green guardians of regenerative coffee: lacewing larvae as entomovectors, entomopathogenic fungi, and essential oil team up against coffee berry borer(Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 2025-04-28) Ferreira, Douglas da Silva; Venzon, Madelaine; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6558522786522599Regenerative coffee farming has gained prominence by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that restore ecosystems and improve farmers’ livelihoods. The use of sustainable alternatives to replace chemical pesticides has become a constant pursuit in agriculture, aiming to reduce environmental and health impacts. Coffee cultivation has increasingly adopted these sustainable practices; however, it still faces major challenges in controlling one of its main pests, the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari, 1867). Products based on entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill., 1912, are used for this purpose. Nevertheless, their variable efficacy, potential impacts on non-target beneficial insects, and combined use with other biological control agents raise concerns about possible incompatibilities. This thesis therefore explored the interactions between B. bassiana and other promising biological control agents. In the first chapter, we demonstrated the non-pathogenicity of a commercial B. bassiana-based product (Granada®) against two species of green lacewings that are predators of the coffee berry borer: Chrysoperla externa Hagen, 1861 and Ceraeochrysa cubana Hagen, 1861. Results showed mortality rates below 5% for the natural enemies, compared to 95% for the coffee berry borer. Despite the low mortality in lacewing larvae, we aimed to investigate potential sublethal effects on them. With that in mind, the second chapter assessed potential sublethal effects on predation, foraging, reproduction, and life cycle of these two lacewing species. Results showed, surprisingly, low potential for sublethal effects, with only two notable findings: a change in the average foraging angle of C. cubana larvae, and reduced survival in adult males of C. externa. However, based on the experiments conducted, we did not find sufficient evidence to confirm sublethal effects in these two lacewing species. Building on these results, we progressed to investigate the possible role of lacewing larvae as spore carriers of B. bassiana, aiming to reach the coffee borer’s hidden refuges. This was the focus of the third chapter, where we obtained promising results using first-instar larvae of both lacewing species as potential entomovectors for controlling the coffee berry borer under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. However, further field investigation and formulation improvements are necessary to enhance spore adhesion to the larval body. Still aiming to evaluate the compatibility of biocontrol inputs, the fourth chapter investigated the antifungal and hormetic potential of essential oil from Varronia curassavica (erva-baleeira) on B. bassiana. Results showed an inductive effect at low concentrations (0.2%) and an inhibitory effect at higher concentrations (above 0.8%). This confirmed a hormetic effect at lower doses—meaning that exposure to small amounts of a toxic substance or stressor can stimulate beneficial responses in organisms—and an antifungal effect at higher doses. Thus, further studies should consider incorporating the essential oil into B. bassiana formulations to enhance fungal activity, as well as exploring its antifungal potential for plant disease management. In conclusion, this thesis addressed important knowledge gaps in the integrated pest management of coffee crops, aligned with the principles of regenerative coffee farming. Keywords: chrysopidae; biological control; insect vectors; Beauveria bassiana; erva-baleeira.Item Decision-making control systems of Anthonomus grandis grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in cotton fields using machine learning and digital tools(Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 2025-07-31) Oliveira, Andréa Aparecida Santos; Picanço, Marcelo Coutinho; http://lattes.cnpq.br/3763421583509972The boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis grandis Boh.) is one of the main pests of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), infesting the reproductive structures of the plant and causing significant losses, which can compromise up to 100% of production. Digital and machine learning systems are modern tools capable of performing tasks that would normally be performed by human intelligence and exhibiting high precision while doing that together with the incorporation of all the required variables for a decision-making system. Despite the importance of cotton crops and A. grandis grandis, currently there are no records of studies that had been carried out on the use of digital tools and machine learning for decision-making in the control of the boll weevil. Thus, this work aimed to determine a model for predicting the seasonal variation of A. grandis grandis populations in cotton crops using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and to develop a digital system for determining control levels for A. grandis grandis according to insecticide application technology, cotton lint price and crop yield. Although there are several ways to control the boll weevil, the most efficient is through the use of synthetic pesticides. The tools determined in this work are promising for optimizing the use of these pesticides, determining the appropriate time for pest control. Keywords: ANNs; digital systems; boll weevil; Gossypium hyrsutum.Item Efeito da maturação fisiológica na produção de feromônio sexual em Phthorimaea absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)(Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 2025-07-31) Moran Toro, Juan David; Lima, Eraldo Rodrigues de; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8938078062152081A traça-do-tomate Phthorimaea absoluta é uma das principais pragas da cultura do tomate em escala mundial, cuja comunicação sexual é mediada por feromônios emitidos por fêmeas para atrair machos. Este estudo investigou como a maturidade fisiológica e o fotoperíodo de 12:12 h claro/escuro modulam a sinalização sexual, com ênfase no comportamento de chamamento sexual postura característica de exposição da glândula feromonal e na produção dos compostos voláteis. Foram realizadas análises comportamentais e químicas para avaliar a interação entre idade fisiológica, estado de chamamento sexual e composição da mistura feromonal. Os resultados mostraram que 80% das fêmeas iniciaram o chamamento sexual nos dois primeiros dias pós-emergência, indicando maturação precoce. Fêmeas que iniciaram o chamamento sexual no primeiro dia apresentaram maior produção de TDTA e TDDA, evidenciando que a precocidade está associada a maior capacidade biossintética. A composição da mistura feromonal manteve-se estável em relação à idade inicial (primeiro ao segundo dia pós-emergência), mas apresentou ajustes sutis conforme o estado comportamental das fêmeas em chamamento sexual ativo, ou sem chamamento sexual, e o momento da extração da glândula sexual dentro do fotoperíodo de 12:12 h claro/escuro, demonstrando que a emissão química é dinâmica e regulada por fatores fisiológicos e exógenos. A produção de feromônio foi mais intensa durante a fase escura, coincidindo com o pico de atividade de chamamento sexual, embora também se estendesse ao período claro. Um achado central foi que o estado ativo de chamamento sexual, e não apenas a idade cronológica, está diretamente ligado à máxima produção feromonal, evidenciando a necessidade de controle experimental desse fator em estudos de quantificação de voláteis feromonais. Conclui-se que a sinalização sexual em P. absoluta constitui um sistema integrado e adaptativo, no qual a fêmea naturalmente modula a quantidade e a qualidade do sinal químico em função do seu estado fisiológico, refletindo uma estratégia reprodutiva refinada. Palavras-chave: Traça-do-tomate, TDTA, TDDA, Reprodução, Comportamento de chamamento sexual.Item Plant-provided food for predators of key coffee pests(Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 2025-07-25) Silveira, Pedro Inocêncio; Venzon, Madelaine; http://lattes.cnpq.br/7742271996114592The intense population growth strongly affects the landscapes and pressures food production. Brazil is the bigger coffee producer and exporter in the world and chemical control of pests is the most used method to control unwanted insects. In this scenario, insecticides can create pest resistant populations, outbreaks of secondary ones and harm human and environment health. This context accentuate the need to integrate alternative methods in order to control pests in a safer way. In this thesis I investigated if plant-provided resources, such as nectar and pollen, selectively benefits natural enemies without benefiting key coffee pests. In Chapter I, I examined if Senna cernua extrafloral nectar improves Chrysoperla externa and Harmonia axyridis fitness. I performed survival experiments inside a green house to immature, where larvae from both species were fed with the extrafloral nectar at the plants. For the adults, I realized experiments on the green house and also in laboratory to analyze the effect of nectar on survival and reproduction of these important beneficial insects. The extrafloral nectar of S. cernua increased significantly the survival of C. externa and H. axyridis, both larvae and adults. C. externa females could even oviposit feeding only on this nectar. In Chapter II, I inspected if Crambe abyssinica flowers provides resources capable of benefit the same two predators from Chapter I, without favoring Leucoptera coffeella adults, the coffee leaf miner. I carried out laboratory experiments to examine if C. abyssinica floral resources (nectar or pollen), affects survival of larvae and survival or reproduction of the adults natural enemies. I also inspected if L. coffeella adults can feed on floral nectar and increase its survival or reproduction. Lastly, I investigated if honeydew produced by the green aphid Myzus persicae, a species hosted by C. abyssinica, affects the coffee leaf miner survival or reproduction. Larvae from C. externa and H. axyridis could feed on floral resources but just adults of C. externa could benefit from it, increasing its survival. L. coffeella adults did not feed on C. abyssinica floral nectar and also did not feed on honeydew produced by the aphids. Finally, in Chapter III, in laboratory, I tested whether ladybug species can prey and feed upon L. coffella and Hypothenemus hampei (coffee berry borer) life stages. For the first time, a predatory ladybug species was registered feeding on the coffee leaf miner pre-pupae. Similarly, for the first time ever, two new ladybug species were recorded entering the coffee berry borer galleries and preying on immature stages of this pest. In this regard, this study shows that is possible to integrate sustainable approaches to control pests. Both S. cernua and C. abyssinica should be introduced on coffee crops in order to increase biological control of L. coffeella and H. hampei, attracting and keeping natural enemies in the field over longer periods of time. This study presents a valuable contribution to regenerative coffee farming. Keywords: conservation biological control; Hypothenemus hampei; Leucoptera coffeella; coccinellidsItem Plantas neotropicais como fonte de inspiração para novos inseticidas no controle de Euschistus heros(Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 2024-08-27) Oliveira, Joel Marques de; Oliveira, Eugênio Eduardo de; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2377346486081335O percevejo-marrom-da-soja, Euschistus heros, é a praga mais significativa na América do Sul, especialmente no Brasil, onde causa danos diretos a culturas-chave como a soja (Glycine max). O controle químico predominante, baseado principalmente em organofosforados, neonicotinoides e piretroides, tem levado ao desenvolvimento de populações resistentes e representa um risco considerável para organismos não alvo, como a abelha Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, responsável por 95,5% da polinização cruzada da soja, e o parasitoide Telenomus podisi, utilizado no controle biológico da praga. Diante da necessidade de alternativas mais sustentáveis, tem havido um crescente interesse por produtos naturais que possam oferecer maior seletividade e menor persistência ambiental. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade inseticida de dois óleos essenciais do gênero Siparuna (Siparuna gesnerioides e Siparuna guianensis), do timol (uma molécula isolada de plantas) e de um triazol semissintético derivado da piperina, contra ninfas de terceiro ínstar de E. heros. O estudo foi dividido em dois capítulos. No primeiro, foi avaliado o efeito letal dos dois óleos essenciais de Siparuna e do timol sobre o percevejo- marrom-da-soja, bem como sua seletividade para a abelha A. mellifera e o parasitoide T. podisi. Os resultados indicaram que tanto os óleos essenciais quanto o timol podem ser considerados bioinseticidas, pois causaram mortalidade de E. heros em baixas concentrações: S. guianensis (CL50 = 0,85 (0,67 - 1,07) µL/mL), S. gesnerioides (CL50 = 2,52 (2,06 - 3,08) µL/mL) e timol (CL50 = 0,80 (0,71 - 0,87) µL/mL). No entanto, o timol revelou-se mais tóxico do que os óleos essenciais, embora tenha mostrado menor seletividade para os organismos não alvo estudados. No segundo capítulo, foi avaliada a atividade inseticida de 14 compostos semissintéticos derivados da piperina, estabelecendo-se a letalidade à concentração de 3 µL/mL. Foi adotado o limiar de letalidade de 50% para definir um composto como potencial inseticida. Dos 14 compostos, apenas três excederam esse limiar, sendo possível calcular uma curva concentração-resposta para um deles: [1-(4-(4- nitrobenzil)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-il)metil (2E,4E)-5-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-il)penta-2,4- dienoato], com CL50 = 1,36 (1,06 - 1,67) µL/mL, sugerindo seu potencial como inseticida para o controle de E. heros. Apesar da promessa observada em outros dois compostos da série, são necessários mais estudos para avaliar seus efeitos sobre organismos alvo e não alvo. Os inseticidas botânicos avaliados mostram potencial para uso estratégico no manejo integrado de pragas, podendo contribuir com alternativas mais sustentáveis no controle do percevejo-marrom-da-soja. No entanto, mais pesquisas são necessárias para otimizar sua eficácia e segurança em diferentes agroecossistemas. Palavras-chave: percevejo marrom da soja; inseticidas botânicos; inseticidas naturais; manejo biorracional de pragas.Item Hidden diversity of Ophiocordyceps parasitizing hymenoptera: novel evolutionary lineages and a cryptic species complex(Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 2025-06-16) Santos, Samuel Júlio Lima dos; Elliot, Simon Luke; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8843816267454783Ophiocordyceps fungi are predominantly entomopathogenic, with some species capable of manipulating the behaviour of social hymenopterans. Over recent decades, taxonomic studies have revealed extensive cryptic diversity within the genus, particularly within the O. unilateralis species complex composed by taxa that manipulate ant behaviour. Estimations suggest that hundreds of species remain undescribed, especially among those manipulative species associated with Hymenoptera in underexplored environments such as tropical forests. This thesis aimed to investigate the cryptic diversity of entomopathogenic Ophiocordyceps infecting Hymenoptera, particularly ants and social wasps, in Brazilian tropical forests. For the General Introduction (Chapter I), we reviewed biological, ecological and taxonomic aspects of entomopathogenic fungi, followed by an overview of Ophiocordyceps-Hymenoptera interactions and the current knowledge gaps concerning bees, ants, and wasps. In Chapter II, we employed an integrative taxonomic approach to describe O. acanthoponerae, a new species infecting Acanthoponera mucronata ants in an ecotone between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. This species represents a novel lineage of myrmecophilous Ophiocordyceps closely-related to O. humbertii, a species known to infect and manipulate social wasps. In Chapter III, we revealed that O. humbertii constitutes a cryptic species complex by describing seven new species associated with social wasps, uncovering at least four novel fungal lineages. This thesis significantly contributes to the understanding of cryptic fungal diversity in tropical forests and highlights the pivotal role of Hymenoptera in the evolution and diversification of behaviour-manipulating Ophiocordyceps. Keywords: Atlantic Forest; Hypocreales; host manipulation; integrative taxonomy; Ophiocordyceps acanthoponerae; Ophiocordyceps humbertii.Item Entomopathogenic fungi as promoters of ecosystem services for pest control in coffee crop management systems(Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 2025-02-25) Reis, Lorene Carla dos; Elliot, Simon Luke; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4948116132349012The concept of ecosystem services has been discussed due to its relevance to the sustainability of agricultural systems, especially in relation to food security, environmental protection and the promotion of human health. There is increasing evidence that ecosystem services are achieved as a function of ecosystem biodiversity. Considered the main reservoir of biological diversity, soils are home to a variety of microorganisms, which are responsible for a significant proportion of ecosystem services. A fundamental regulatory ecosystem service is the biological control of naturally occurring pests, in which entomopathogenic fungi play a central role. The population dynamics and effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi are directly related to soil conditions and the agricultural management adopted. Practices that favor the maintenance of soil biodiversity can enhance biological control, reducing dependence on chemical inputs and promoting a more sustainable balance in agroecosystems. This thesis aims to analyze the diversity and functionality of entomopathogenic fungi in different coffee cultivation systems (agroforestry, organic and conventional), evaluating the impact of management practices and the availability of macro and micronutrients in the soil on fungal composition. For this purpose, molecular methodologies were used to identify and quantify the species present in the soil, in addition to the live bait technique to evaluate the effectiveness of fungi in suppressing pests. Principal Component Analysis, which aimed to identify whether there is evidence that the types of management differ in terms of the type of nutrition and the composition of the fungi, revealed that there are significant differences in fungal diversity between the agricultural management systems. The results indicate that the organic and agroforestry systems have greater fungal diversity compared to conventional crops, evidencing the effect of agricultural management on the composition of soil fungal communities. In addition, we evaluated the ecosystem service of pest control according to the type of coffee management systems, and through the mortality of the baits, survival curves were constructed and the fungal isolates from the insects were isolated, identified and quantified for each system. These fungi were more active in organic and agroforestry management systems, showing greater potential for the control of Hypothenemus hampei, through the survival curves, and for Tenebrio molitor, the collections in different coffee management systems had the greatest influence on its survival. The research aims to reinforce the importance of the biodiversity of entomopathogenic fungi for the resilience of agricultural systems and provide fundamental information for the development of management strategies that maximize the ecosystem services provided by these organisms. Thus, the results obtained may contribute to the development of sustainable approaches, thus promoting the conservation of soil biodiversity, aligning with the demands for more efficient and environmentally responsible agricultural production. Keywords: Keywords: Soil-microorganism interaction, microbial diversity, agroecosystems, pest suppression, agricultural sustainability diversity.Item Anthropogenic pollutants disrupt individuals and colonies of stingless bees and bumble bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae)(Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 2025-02-27) Ferreira, Lívia Maria Negrini; Siqueira, Maria Augusta Lima; http://lattes.cnpq.br/0096451406796863Over the past decades, insect biomass, including that of important pollinators, has declined dramatically, with environmental pollution identified as a major contributing factor. Among the pollutants implicated in this decline are agrochemicals and anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation. These stressors are likely to play a role in the reduction of bee populations (Hymenoptera, Apidae). While most studies have focused on honey bees (Apidae, Apini), our understanding of how non-Apis bees are affected by anthropogenic pollutants remains limited. This work investigates the effects of agrochemicals and extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on stingless bees (Meliponini) and bumble bees (Bombini), both at the individual and colony levels. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) Botanical insecticides, as well as synthetic herbicides and fungicides, alter behavior and decrease survival in stingless and bumble bees; (2) Stingless and bumble bees can distinguish between agrochemical-contaminated and uncontaminated food; (3) The behavior of stingless bees toward agrochemical-contaminated food is influenced by weather conditions and anthropogenic EMFs; (4) The lethal and sublethal effects of agrochemicals on eusocial bees depend on the level of exposure (individual or social); (5) Exposure to agrochemicals and/or EMFs weakens stingless and bumble bee colonies; (6) Combined exposure to agrochemicals and EMFs is more detrimental to stingless bee colonies than exposure to these pollutants individually. This thesis comprises six articles addressing these hypotheses: Article 1 (Hp 1 to 3) presents original research on the foraging preferences of the stingless bee Plebeia lucii when offered food contaminated with the herbicide glyphosate, the insecticide acephate, or their mixture under natural weather conditions; Article 2 (Hp 1) is a systematic review on the effects of biopesticides on stingless bees (Apidae, Meliponini); Article 3 (Hp 1, 2, and 4) presents original research on the preferences of Bombus terrestris (Apidae, Bombini), at both the individual and colony levels, toward food contaminated with glyphosate, the insecticide acetamiprid, the fungicide metalaxyl-M, and the biopesticide sweet orange essential oil; Article 4 (Hp 1, 4, and 5) investigates the effects of glyphosate, acetamiprid, metalaxyl-M, and sweet orange essential oil on individuals and colonies of B. terrestris; Article 5 (Hp 2 and 3) presents original research on the foraging preferences of P. lucii colonies when exposed to food contaminated with the insecticide ethiprole, with or without concurrent EMF exposure; and, Article 6 (Hp 3, 5, and 6) investigates the effects of ethiprole and extremely low-frequency EMFs, both separately and in combination, on P. lucii colonies. Overall, the findings indicate that stingless and bumble bees do not avoid agrochemical-contaminated food, despite the detrimental effects on their health. Furthermore, exposure—either separate or combined—to agrochemicals and EMFs disrupts colony functioning and alters worker behavior. These negative effects were observed not only with synthetic insecticides but also with botanical insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Collectively, the results demonstrate that stingless and bumble bees are at significant risk of exposure to a broad range of agrochemicals at both individual and colony levels. The observed alterations caused by agrochemicals and EMFs may contribute to colony collapse, highlighting these pollutants as genuine threats to pollinator conservation. Keywords: non-Apis bees; colony-level exposure; agrochemicals; electromagnetic fields.Item The dual nature of Metarhizium: integrating endophytic plant benefits and entomopathogenic pest control(Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 2025-02-21) Martins, Jéssica Letícia Abreu; Venzon, Madelaine; http://lattes.cnpq.br/4320642261563680Entomopathogenic fungi perform important functions in the ecosystem, being able to act as decomposers of organic matter, and plant growth promoters, in addition to their potential to control insects. Because they are highly diverse organisms, they can establish themselves in equally distinct systems and can occur naturally in soils in natural or highly managed environments, as is the case with crops. Considering the different compositions of the environment they inhabit, these microorganisms often need to adapt to stressful situations, especially in high temperatures and UV radiation. In this way, fungi that have multiple life cycles end up obtaining adaptive advantages, as they can remain in the environment for longer periods, effectively colonizing insects, associated with corpses, and even living in symbiosis with plants. Some of the classic examples of multifunctional organisms are fungi of the genus Metarhizium, which have already shown themselves capable of associating with plants from different cultures as endophytes. When this relationship occurs, these fungi become capable of manipulating direct and indirect defenses, promoting, for example, the production of secondary metabolites or even fungal toxins capable of reducing insect herbivory. It is even known that the fungus can relocate these defenses to specific organs of the plant, depending on the attack of the pests associated with them. Furthermore, there are still studies that explore the ability of these microorganisms to modulate the production of volatiles in plants, promoting attraction or repellency not only of herbivores but also of potential predators capable of controlling pests. In this work, we began to explore the fungal composition of soils from coffee cultivation systems in the Cerrado Mineiro, under diversified systems (i.e., with the insertion of multifunctional plants) and under conventional crops where monoculture was established. The isolates used for molecular characterization came from a pre-established system in 2019, with three samplings carried out until 2021. Although we did not find significant differences in the composition of fungal genera in both systems, we noticed that the dominant genus was Metarhizium, possibly due to its previously mentioned high adaptability characteristics. Therefore, we chose to evaluate in Chapter II the effect of the species M. roberts ii and M. brunneum on the control of the coffee leaf miner (Leucoptera coffeella), with their inoculation in coffee seeds treated with fungicides. We observed that these fungi were able to prolong the life cycle of insects, promoting a reduction in the total number of individuals. Furthermore, they also reduced the number of insects in the second generation, in addition to promoting the growth of coffee plants. Given these results, we also decided to evaluate in Chapter III the effects of this group of microorganisms on a hemimetabolous pest, a pest of a short-cycle crop. We then chose whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and cotton plants, and inoculated M. anisopliae by seed inoculation and also by drench in the soil. We observed a reduction in the number of insect eggs and adults when they fed on plants inoculated via seeds, in addition to a greater number of leaves in cotton plants that were subjected to the same treatment. To begin exploring higher trophic levels, we also carried out olfactometer choice experiments with the whitefly and its predator, the ladybug Hippodamia convergens. Our results demonstrated a repellency effect when subjected to the choice of plants inoculated via seed, and a predator attraction effect was observed with the same treatment. In this way, our work seeks to explore the potential benefits of using Metarhizium for sustainable pest management, considering its insect control potential and its endophytic action, which has also been shown to be beneficial for plants. Keywords: entomopathogenic fungi; sustainable management ; biological control.