Which factors influence the virulence of entomopathogenic fungi? Effect of spore type, oosporein, application method, and pathway of entry on the infectiveness of <i>Beauveria brongniartii</i> against <i>Melolontha melolontha</i>

Contrary to the assumption that laboratory bioassays overestimate EPF performance under field conditions, we found the opposite. We therefore argue that more elaborate studies are required for realistic evaluation of candidate biocontrol agents, considering host-pathogen traits and test conditions.