Entomopathogenic Fungi in Integrated Pest Management
Summary
Entomopathogenic fungi are specialised microorganisms that infect and kill arthropod pests, offering a biologically based means of crop protection compatible with sustainable agriculture. Major genera such as Beauveria, Metarhizium and Purpureocillium penetrate the insect cuticle, proliferate within the host haemocoel and release spores to infect new hosts. Their modes of action include the secretion of lytic enzymes, production of toxins and modulation of host immunity. When deployed in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), these fungi can reduce reliance on chemical insecticides, delay resistance development and preserve beneficial insects. Successful implementation requires consideration of formulation, application timing, environmental conditions and compatibility with other IPM components such as natural enemies, cultural practices and resistant cultivars. Field trials across diverse agroecosystems have demonstrated yield protection against key pests of cotton, vegetables and tree crops, highlighting global relevance. While challenges remain in consistency of field efficacy and regulatory approval, recent advances in formulation technology and strain improvement are accelerating commercial uptake.
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Entomopathogenic Fungi in Integrated Pest Management publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in entomopathogenic fungi in integrated pest management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Entomopathogenic fungus: A fungus that infects and kills insect hosts as part of its life cycle.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A holistic approach to pest control combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools to minimise economic, health and environmental risks.
Haemocoel: The primary body cavity of insects containing hemolymph through which nutrients and immune cells circulate.
Endophyte: A microorganism, often fungal, that lives within plant tissues without causing harm and may confer protective benefits.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs): Short host-derived proteins that disrupt microbial membranes and contribute to innate immunity.
Mycosis: The disease state in insects resulting from fungal infection and internal proliferation.
References
- An entomopathogenic fungus exploits its host humoral antibacterial immunity to minimize bacterial competition in the hemolymph. Microbiome (2023).
- Cross-talk between immunity and behavior: insights from entomopathogenic fungi and their insect hosts. FEMS Microbiology Reviews (2024).
- Action on the Surface: Entomopathogenic Fungi versus the Insect Cuticle. Insects (2013).
- The Entomopathogenic Fungal Endophytes Purpureocillium lilacinum (Formerly Paecilomyces lilacinus) and Beauveria bassiana Negatively Affect Cotton Aphid Reproduction under Both Greenhouse and Field Conditions. PLOS ONE (2014).
- Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae endophytically colonize cassava roots following soil drench inoculation. Biological Control (2016).
- Fungal Endophytes: Beyond Herbivore Management. Frontiers in Microbiology (2018).
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