Role of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Integrated Pest Management

Entomopathogenic fungi are microorganisms that specifically infect and often kill insects and other arthropods. Most are nonpathogenic to plants, and relatively non-toxic to humans and animals. Though fungus-infected insects can be commonly found in nature, and epizootics are observed impacting pest populations, mortality from fungal infection rarely occurs naturally at sufficiently high levels or early enough in a pest cycle to prevent economic loss. Despite their many advantages over other biological and chemical products, entomopathogenic fungi remain relatively underutilized. Experience has taught growers, pest managers, researchers and policy makers that rarely does one silver bullet solve a pest problem. A multi-faceted approach combining all available integrated pest management (IPM) tools into a comprehensive strategy has a better potential to suppress pests below economically damaging levels. With increased commercialization, entomopathogenic fungi are poised to become a significant component of IPM. This chapter reviews these promising microbial agents, and factors that contribute to their success and failure under field conditions. It also describes two agricultural scenarios where entomopathogenic fungi are or could become an integral component of IPM.