Journey of enzymes in entomopathogenic fungi

Abstract

Entomopathogenic fungi are well-known biological control agents of insects that have broadly replaced the chemicals used in biopesticides for agricultural purposes. The pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi depends on the ability of its enzymatic equipment, consisting of lipases, proteases and chitinases, which degrade the insect's integument. Additionally, the researchers studied the content of β-galactosidase, -glutaminase, and catalase within entomopathogenic fungi. With highly focused investigations on the use of enzymes for green technology, the group of entomopathogens are slowly gaining applications in these areas, even as phytopathogenic fungi (disease originator). This brief review will serve as a reference of the enzymes derived from entomopathogenic fungi and of their current and potential applications.