Fungal entomopathogens: a systematic review

• Main Authors: Rajat Sharma, Priyanka Sharma
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2021-03-01
• Series: Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control
• Subjects: Entomopathogenic fungi; Biological control agents; Infection process; Enzymes; Pathogenesis; Host defense
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41938-021-00404-7

Abstract Background Apprehensions about the safety and the environment regarding the insecticidal application against insect infestations have directed our attention toward advancement of biological mediators so that they are assimilated into the concept of integrated pest management stratagems to develop a more practical approach for the management of insect pests. Management of insect pests by making use of biological approaches (such as fungal entomopathogens (EPF) or others which are antagonistic to insect population) provides a substitute approach which reduces the continuous use of chemical amalgams against insect pests. Main body The present review provides a framework of the present status of information on EPF as it identifies with their current use as biological control of pest infestations. To utilize a variety of biological control methodologies against insect hosts, it is essential to improve our comprehension of the ecology of EPF and also their role in nature. This article may assist us with understanding the virulence and the virulence factors related with EPF and present the latest developments and accomplishments in the significant field. We focus on recent instances of studies that show the overall patterns in interactions among insect pests and EPF prompting the advancement of epizootics. Also, we sum up the topical discoveries on current status of mycoinsecticides and propose future research needs. Conclusions As the current mechanism of fungal pathogenesis on insects is moderately slow and needs improvement, there is likewise the requirement for additional comprehension of the interactions among entomopathogens and insect pests so as to grow soundly planned procedures by identifying potential targets and via the improvement of fungal strains for improving the adequacy of these organisms in field applications.