Entomopathogenic fungi: translating research into field applications for crop protection

Abstract

Insect pests pose a global threat to ecosystem stability and food security, necessitating a move away from chemical pesticides and towards more environmentally friendly options. As a potential biocontrol tool, entomopathogenic fungi provides focused pest management with minimal negative impacts on humans and the environment. The processes underlying the action of entomopathogenic fungi, clarifying aspects affecting efficacy, contemporary formulations of mycoinsecticides and mycoacaricides that were available to combat various pests, emphasizing their crucial role in pest control initiatives and for a more sustainable and safe future were explored below. The formulations encompassing several entomopathogenic fungi, offer a wide range of environmentally beneficial alternatives for managing insect pests, signalling a paradigm change in plant protection methods towards remedies inspired by nature. In addition, a thorough assessment of the state of mycoinsecticide formulations, providing information on recent advancements and potential lines of inquiry were also presented. This review article lays the way for a harmonious cohabitation of agriculture and the environment by outlining an agenda for leveraging the potential of entomopathogenic fungi in sustainable insect pest management techniques.