Publication

Abstract : With a broad host range and the potential to be the most versatile biological control agent, entomopathogenic fungi are myco-biocontrol, an environmentally friendly and efficient way to reduce insect pests. Most terrestrial ecosystems use microbial control agents, especially entomopathogenic fungi, which have been studied for controlling a variety of pests in orchards and field crops. Entomopathogenic fungi are found in the previously classified fungal divisions Ascomycota, Chytridiomycota, Deuteromycota, Oomycota, and Zygomycota. They are an important part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods as biological control agents against insect pests as well as other arthropods in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture. When enough conidia and infectious propagules come into contact with a vulnerable host and the right circumstances arise, entomopathogenic fungi can effectively control insects. The soil ecosystem is home to a diverse array of fungi, each of which serves a unique ecological purpose. Numerous bacteria and the majority of these fungi can thrive in vitro on synthetic media. Variations within a species of mycoparasitic and entomopathogenic fungus have been described using a variety of techniques, such as growth, nutritional needs, extracellular protein profiles, pathogenicity, and spore and colony morphological features. Additionally, chemotaxonomic and immunological taxonomic techniques have been applied, albeit with varying degrees of success. The complexity of taxonomic procedures is rising, and it is widely acknowledged that genetic identification methods are required in addition to the conventional morphological traits that are formally employed to categorize fungal species. More than 80 companies worldwide have created 171 mycoinsecticides and mycoacaricides over the past 40 years. If research is focused on developing formulations that will enhance persistence, extended shelf life, ease of application, pathogen virulence, and a wide spectrum of action, as well as enhance their performance under difficult environmental conditions, the use of mycoinsecticides is anticipated to expand. This chapter will discuss the entomopathogenic fungal species present in the ecosystem, host range, and mechanism of action.