Entomopathogenic Fungi for Pest Management
An in-depth look at insect-killing fungi such as Beauveria and Metarhizium, from biology and strain selection to field use.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Entomopathogenic Fungi for Pest Management
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Fungal Ecology & Regenerative Agriculture. A Fungaris programme of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 3 months (12 weeks) · 72 hours in total · 6 modules of 12 hours · 12 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own programme, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: 11 January 2027 to 2 April 2027. Enrolment closes on 4 January 2027. Following intake: 8 March 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Programme description
Insect-killing fungi such as Beauveria and Metarhizium are among the most widely used biological control agents, yet many users know little about how they work. This course looks in depth at their biology: how spores attach to the insect cuticle, germinate, penetrate and overcome host defences, and why host range differs between species and strains. It surveys the main genera, including Beauveria, Metarhizium, Cordyceps and related fungi, and their uses against pests in fields, orchards and glasshouses.
With fewer chemical insecticides available and stronger demand for residue-free produce, entomopathogenic fungi are being used more widely, but their performance depends on humidity, temperature, UV exposure and correct timing. The course suits crop protection specialists and growers who need to make these products work in practice. Modules on strain selection, mass production and field application are followed by compatibility, registration and safety. In the final project, students prepare an application protocol for an entomopathogenic fungus against a chosen pest, including timing, environmental conditions, compatibility checks and efficacy monitoring.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in ecology, useful in areas such as biopesticide industry, protected horticulture, fruit and vegetable production, agricultural research.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This programme gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgement and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the programme able to apply its content professionally and with judgement. In short:
An in-depth look at insect-killing fungi such as Beauveria and Metarhizium, from biology and strain selection to field use.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Biology of Insect-pathogenic Fungi; Beauveria, Metarhizium, Cordyceps and Allies.
- Put them into practice: Infection Process and Host Range; Strain Selection and Mass Production.
- Apply everything to a real case: Field Application and Environmental Factors; Compatibility, Registration and Safety.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Describe the infection process of entomopathogenic fungi in insects.
- Compare Beauveria, Metarhizium and other genera for specific target pests.
- Explain the main criteria for strain selection and mass production.
- Plan field applications that account for humidity, temperature and UV.
- Check compatibility of fungal products with other crop protection inputs.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Crop protection specialists and growers.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic knowledge of crop pests or crop protection is recommended; no prior mycology is required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Crop protection specialist for biologicals
- Glasshouse IPM manager
- Production technician at a biopesticide company
- Field trials officer for biocontrol products
- Technical adviser to fruit and vegetable growers
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Biology of Insect-pathogenic Fungi | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Beauveria, Metarhizium, Cordyceps and Allies | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Infection Process and Host Range | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Strain Selection and Mass Production | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Field Application and Environmental Factors | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Compatibility, Registration and Safety | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| Total | 72 |
6 modules × 12 hours = 72 hours: 24 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Life cycles of insect-pathogenic fungi
- Spores, blastospores and conidia
- Ecology in soil and on plants
- Beauveria species and uses
- Metarhizium as soil and plant associate
- Cordyceps and other genera
- Attachment and cuticle penetration
- Overcoming insect immunity
- Host range and specificity
- Screening and selecting strains
- Solid-state and liquid fermentation
- Quality parameters for production
- Spray timing and coverage
- Humidity, temperature and UV
- Soil and seed applications
- Compatibility with fungicides and adjuvants
- Registration requirements
- Safety for users and non-target organisms
5.3Company placement
This programme does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
An application protocol for an entomopathogenic fungus against a chosen pest, with timing and efficacy monitoring.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your tutor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 6 hours a week for 12 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Students are assessed through participation in live sessions, module exercises on pest scenarios and a final protocol reviewed by the tutor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your tutor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Ecology school coordinates the content and quality of this programme. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The tutor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Course Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrolment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
10.3Deadlines
Enrolment for the intake starting on 11 January 2027 is open until 4 January 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: £340
- Full payment before the start: £272 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation (£136) and 3 monthly instalments of £68.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organisation. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the programme and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for cancelling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrolment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Entomopathogenic Fungi for Pest Management?
Basic knowledge of crop pests or crop protection is recommended; no prior mycology is required.
How is Entomopathogenic Fungi for Pest Management taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Students are assessed through participation in live sessions, module exercises on pest scenarios and a final protocol reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
An application protocol for an entomopathogenic fungus against a chosen pest, with timing and efficacy monitoring.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Entomopathogenic Fungi for Pest Management?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycorrhizal Agriculture.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This programme does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Read before you start.
Keep branching.
From our species guide.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly instalments. All prices are stated in pounds sterling (GBP).