entomopathogenic fungi produce a variety of degrading enzymes, including proteases, chitinases and lipases, to facilitate their entry through the massive barriers of insect cuticle. isolates of the entomopathogenic fungi vary considerably in their proteolytic activity and virulence. the proteolytic activity of different isolates has been hypothesized to reflect their virulence toward the host. ...

b a ckground: the protective effect of two isolates of an entomopathogenic fungus, metarhizium anisopliae (demi 002 and iran 437c) on the adult stage of varroa destructor was evaluated in comparison with fluvalinate strips in the field. m e t hods: a total of 12 honey bee colonies were provided from an apiculture farm. the selected hives were divided into 4 groups (3 hives per group). the first...