Endophytic Entomopathogenic Fungi: A Valuable Biological Control Tool against Plant Pests
Source abstract
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.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control · Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences · Insect Resistance and Genetics
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
Department of Agriculture and Agrotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
References (100+)
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