Current Perspectives on the Use of Entomopathogenic Fungi for Pest Control

Entomopathogenic fungi infect a wide range of arthropod hosts and have been used as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides for pest control. Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are the most studied entomopathogenic fungal species and have been used as bioinsecticides in integrated pest management programs. Studies on fungi-host interactions provide valuable information enabling the development of novel strategies with potential to control both the insect pests and the pathogens they transmit. The fungi-host interaction is a complex process, initiating with the invasion of the insect body, which triggers the host's immune response, proceeding with systemic dissemination and culminating with host death. The duration of the infection process is highly dependent on the virulence factors associated with the fungus and the host’s susceptibility. Entomopathogenic fungi have evolved a series of sophisticated strategies to counter insect immune defenses and have also been identified as plant protectors and growth promoters. In fact, fungi apparently evolved two lifestyles, i) entomopathogen for arthropods (insects, ticks, and mites) and ii) symbiont of plant roots. Multiomic approaches are unraveling the molecular biology of entomopathogenic fungi, which is accelerating translational research to innovate biopesticidal technologies.

In this Research Topic, we welcome any type of article, including but not limited to Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Systematic Reviews, Reviews, and Perspectives. The scope of this topic includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1) Fungal-host interactions;
2) Field studies;
3) Characterization and selection of fungal isolates;
4) Advances in the production, compatibility, and application of mycoinsecticides and mycoacaricides;
5) Fungal bioinputs;
6) Immune response of arthropods after challenge with entomopathogenic fungi;
7) Multiomics of entomopathogenic fungi and 8)Discovery and description of new entomopathogenic fungi.

Keywords: Entomopathogeneic fungi, pest control, Beauveria bassiana, bioinsecticides

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