Vol. 8, Issue 8, Part R (2024)

Abstract: Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) represent a promising solution for sustainable pest management in agriculture by controlling insect pests and indirectly suppressing plant diseases. These fungi, including Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Lecanicillium lecanii, infect insects through direct contact, penetrating their cuticles, proliferating internally, and eventually killing the host. This process reduces pest populations and mitigates crop damage. Beyond pest control, EPF can colonize plant roots and contribute to disease suppression by forming protective barriers against soilborne pathogens and triggering induced systemic resistance (ISR) in plants. For example, B. bassiana effectively controls whitefly populations, M. anisopliae is utilized for locust management, and L. lecanii is applied to aphid control, reducing the spread of plant viruses. Recent research has enhanced the efficacy of EPF through improved formulations and integration with other beneficial microorganisms, increasing their field performance. Additionally, the development of EPF-based biopesticides, such as Botanigard® and Met52®, offers environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides, addressing concerns over pesticide resistance and environmental impact. As agriculture faces growing challenges, EPF play a critical role in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, offering a sustainable path forward by reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and enhancing crop resilience. This review explores the mechanisms, applications, and recent advancements of EPF, highlighting their potential to revolutionize pest and disease management in modern agriculture.