Entomopathogenic Fungi: Dual Role in Insect Control and Plant Disease Management
Sunita Yadav
Department of Entomology, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, India.
Mamatha Thodusu
Department of Entomology, Uttara Banga Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, West Bengal, India.
Uma Shankar
Department of Plant Pathology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, India.
Anchala Nautiyal
Department of Zoology, Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University, Badshahithaul, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India.
Marvi Khajuria
Division of Entomology, Shere Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu, Main Campus Chatha,180009, India.
Satyabrata Sarangi
Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Sourabh Maheshwari
Department of Agricultural Entomology, ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 493 225, India.
Kartikey Pandey *
Department of Plant Pathology Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are important biological agents in modern agriculture, offering eco-friendly solutions for integrated pest and disease management. With their dual functionality, EPF target a wide range of insect pests while suppressing plant pathogens, presenting a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides. The biology, mechanisms, and applications of EPF, highlighting their ability to parasitize insects through adhesion, enzymatic penetration, and toxin production while simultaneously managing plant pathogens via antibiosis, competition, systemic resistance induction, and direct parasitism. Advances in genomics have unveiled molecular insights into EPF pathogenicity, paving the way for biotechnological enhancements, including genetically engineered strains with improved efficacy, thermal tolerance, and host specificity. Innovative formulation technologies, such as nano-carriers and microencapsulation, have enhanced the viability and precision delivery of EPF, improving field efficacy. The integration of EPF with precision agriculture tools, including drones and sensor-based systems, allows targeted applications and data-driven pest management. Their compatibility with organic farming systems underscores their role in fostering sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural practices. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including environmental limitations, production costs, regulatory hurdles, and potential non-target effects. Addressing these challenges through interdisciplinary research and stakeholder education is critical for maximizing EPF's potential. As agriculture faces mounting pressures from climate change, pest resistance, and ecological degradation, EPF stand as a promising solution, contributing to soil health, biodiversity conservation, and reduced chemical dependency. The importance of EPF in shaping resilient agroecosystems, driving the transition toward sustainable agriculture while ensuring food security and environmental sustainability. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and policy support will be important in scaling the adoption of EPF-based solutions, positioning these fungi as a cornerstone in the future of agricultural innovation and sustainability.
Keywords: Entomopathogenic, biocontrol, sustainability, pathogenicity, genomics, formulations