Entomopathogenic Fungi And Their Biocenotic Importance

Naturally occurring entomopathogens are important regulatory factors of insect populations. Among them, entomopathogenic fungi play a meaningful role. The invasion of insects by parasitic fungi occurs through penetration of the host integument. Death of the host is a result of tissue destruction, exhaustion of nutrients, and the production of toxins. Many recent studies show that entomopathogenic fungi are not only considered as insect pathogens, but also play additional roles in nature, including endophytism, plant disease antagonism, plant growth promotion, and rhizosphere colonization. These newly understood attributes provide possibilities to use fungi in multiple roles. Such additional roles recently-discovered to be played by entomopathogenic fungi provide opportunities for multiple uses of these fungi in integrated pest management strategies. This article reviews the literature currently available on entomopathogenic fungi. It also addresses the possible mechanisms of protection conferred by endophytic fungal entomopathogens and explores the potential use of these fungi as dual microbial control agents against both insect and pathogen pests.

Introduction. 2. Historical and taxonomical notes. 3. Ecological aspects. 4. Use of entomopathogenic fungi. 5. Prospects in integrated pest management. 6. Conclusions