Entomopathogenic fungi and their relevance in sustainable agriculture: A review

Abstract

The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) like Beauveria, Metarhizium, Lecanicillium, and Isaria is upsurging in recent years for the management of crop insect pests. EPF are considered better than synthetic insecticides as they are safe for humans, sustainable to the environment, and target-specific in nature. Many of these EPF are pathogenic to economically important insect pests and thus are capable of controlling them. They are cheaper in long run, show lesser residual effects, and are able to overcome the problem of resistance. EPF degrades the host cuticle and proliferates in hemolymph as hyphal bodies, secreting the toxins responsible for the death of host insects. The later saprophytic growth leads to the production of fungal spores capable of reinfecting other hosts. Different commercial formulations of EPF are available globally such as liquid formulation, wettable powder, suspensible granules, and so on. These available formulations under different trade names can be used for several crops and pests at the recommended dosage to obtain optimum results. The storage conditions should be maintained to retain the viability of EPF. Modern biotechnological interventions could be vital in enhancing the efficacy of these entomopathogens by manipulating their traits. Specialized researches are necessary to understand the interaction between EPF, host insects, crops, and their environment in order to explore the best formulation of mycoinsecticides. This review explores the overview of EPF, its mode of action, significance, commercial formulations, future prospects, and the summary of recent findings. Readers could realize the essence of EPF in sustainable agriculture through this review.

Keywords:

• Beauveria
• Biocontrol
• Formulations
• Isaria
• Metarhizium
• Pathogenesis

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are capable of causing diseases and subsequently killing the insects harbouring these pathogenic fungi. This concept has been utilized in the control of insect pests damaging important crop species. They can attack only the targeted insects leaving the rest unharmed. In addition, they are admired for their lesser toxicity and lower residual effects on animal health and the environment. Farmers and researchers are interested in the utilization and exploration of EPF as an effective alternative to chemical insecticides. The regenerative capacity of EPF makes them cheap in long run. At present, global research is directed toward exploring the interaction among EPF, the environment, and the host insects. This would be monumental in finding the right EPF against a particular insect and its effective formulation for commercialization. The recent advancements in biotechnology would be a centrepiece in improving strains of EPF and increasing their virulence i.e. disease-causing ability. It demands interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration between the authoritative bodies, primarily the research organizations.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank our parents, teachers and colleagues for their support in completion of this review article.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no known competing interest.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Amrit Sharma

Amrit Sharma is an agriculture research scholar at Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Chitwan, Nepal. He had been an associate student member of NAPA (Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas) and has published research and review articles in international journals. He has received some grants and funding for his scientific writings and research works. He has conducted research on plant pathology and has been working with fungi like Rhizoctonia solani and Trichiderma viride. He is passionate with the studies concerning biological control of agricultural pests (pathogen and insects). Mr. Sharma has devoted his time and resources on the study of fungal entomopathogens, biological antagonism, botanical pesticides, and integrated management of agricultural pests. He likes to explore the field of biotechnology, genetics, plant pathology and entomology and wishes to further continue interdisciplinary researches. Besides the academics he is a part-time educator.