Use of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Latin America

Abstract

Microbial control of insects, and the use of entomopathogenic fungi for this purpose, has been researched and used in small scale in Latin American countries since the early 1900’s. However, the large scale commercial production of these organisms is a recent phenomenon, the use of entomopathogens in pest control is still in its infancy in Latin America, just as in world. Although, commercial products can be found in most, if not all, countries in the region, the market share for these products is still minimum, with some notable exceptions for certain crops in some countries.Despite its small share in the pesticide market, microbial control in general and the use of entomopathogenic fungi has received much attention from some research institutions throughout Latin America. The factors that have stimulated the development of entomopathogenic fungi as pesticides in Latin America are as variable as the economies in the region, their crops and pest problems, and technological expertise. However, some common trends can be identified as described in this chapter.