Entomopathogenic fungi are crucial in regulating insect populations, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. These fungi, including well-known genera such as Beauveria, Metarhizium, and Cordyceps, exhibit a wide range of diversity, each adapted to infect specific insect hosts. Their evolution, marked by intricate adaptations to overcome insect defenses, is a testament to their adaptability and resilience, a fact that never ceases to impress. This has resulted in specialized mechanisms to invade, colonize, and eventually kill their hosts, demonstrating their evolutionary strategies in a way that leaves us in awe. This evolutionary arms race has led to a wide variety of fungal species, each with unique strategies for infection and survival.

Understanding the importance, diversity, and evolution of entomopathogenic fungi not only enhances our knowledge of ecological interactions but also holds promise for developing sustainable pest control methods. By harnessing the potential of these fungi, we can effectively reduce the negative impacts of synthetic pesticides on the environment and human health, offering a practical and environmentally friendly solution to pest control.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions from Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Perspectives, Methods, and Opinions. We value the diverse perspectives and expertise of our colleagues in the field, and we believe your unique contributions can enrich our understanding of entomopathogenic fungi. The potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Mitochondrial genome evaluation

• Genomic diversity and characteristics

• Genomic epidemiology of Entomopathogenic fungi

• Genetic and molecular characterization of secondary metabolites of Entomopathogenic fungi

• Genetic and molecular characterization of Entomopathogenic fungi, including their interaction with host species

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Genomics and Molecular Characterization of Entomopathogenic Fungi