Abstract
Among the non-chemical insect control methods, biological control is one of the most effective human and environmentally friendly alternatives. One of the main biological control methods is the application of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). Today, biological crop protection with EPF plays a key role in projects for the sustainable management of insect pests. EPF have several advantages over conventional insecticides, including cost-effectiveness, high yield, absence of harmful side-effects for beneficial organisms, fewer chemical residues in the environment and increased biodiversity in ecosystems. Apart from direct application as contact bioinsecticides, EPF are able to colonize plants as endophytes acting not only as pest and disease control agents but also as plant growth promoters. The present paper presents an outline of the biocontrol potential of several EPF, which could be harnessed for the development of new integrated pest Management (IPM) strategies. Emphasis is given on benefits of endophytic EPF, on issues for practical application and in fields in need of further research. Our findings are discussed in the context of highlighting the value of entomopathogenic fungal endophytes as an integral part of pest management programs for the optimization of crop production.
Highlights
IntroductionInsect pests are responsible for a loss of 18–26% of worldwide annual crop production, which corresponds to an estimated value of $470 billion [1]
Our findings are discussed in the context of highlighting the value of entomopathogenic fungal endophytes as an integral part of pest management programs for the optimization of crop production
Insect pests are responsible for a loss of 18–26% of worldwide annual crop production, which corresponds to an estimated value of $470 billion [1]
Summary
Insect pests are responsible for a loss of 18–26% of worldwide annual crop production, which corresponds to an estimated value of $470 billion [1]. Crop protection by agrochemicals has been responsible for maintaining and increasing the quality and quantity of crop production worldwide Their extensive and often irresponsible use has resulted in pest resistance, resurgence of secondary pests and a disruption or elimination of natural enemy complexes, reducing the efficacy of natural control processes. Fungi have several significant properties, such as high reproductivity, target-specificity, short generation time, and a saprobic phase, all of which ensure that they survive longer even in the absence of a host Apart from their use as biological insecticides, there is growing evidence that many EPF species can colonize the tissues of certain plants [14,15]. It examines the insecticidal effect of such colonization on major plant insect pests, the potential for effective pest control, case studies, problems, limitations and future prospects of the application of these endophytic EPF within IPM strategies
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