Exploring the Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana: A Comprehensive Review on its Role as a Biocontrol Agent for Insect Population Management in Agriculture

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Exploring the Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana: A Comprehensive Review on its Role as a Biocontrol Agent for Insect Population Management in Agriculture

Sushil Kumar^*

Formerly, Dept. of Plant Protection cum P/I RKVY Project, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat (396 450), India

Garima Saxena

Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (110 012), India

Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh (201 301), India

V.P. Prajapati

Dept. of Plant Protection, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat (396 450), India

P.R. Patel

Dept. of Plant Protection, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat (396 450), India

Snehal Patel

Dept. of Plant Protection, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat (396 450), India

K.B. Patel

Horticulture Polytechnic, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat (396 450), India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54083/ResBio/6.4.2024/151-160

Keywords: Beauveria bassiana, Biocontrol agent, Entomopathogenic fungi, Pathogenicity, Pest control strategies, Lecanicillium lecanii

Abstract

This paper thoroughly investigates the possibilities of entomopathogenic fungus, especially Beauveria bassiana, as a feasible and eco-friendly substitute for traditional chemical pesticides under the framework of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In order to lower the excessive reliance on synthetic agrochemicals, the growing problem of pesticide resistance among pest populations and the related negative consequences on environmental and human health drives increasing need to adopt sustainable pest control practices. In this context, entomopathogenic fungi are an important biological control agent because of their inherent pathogenic features, wide host range and several modes of actions. This fungus not only infects and kills many species of insect pests (chewing and sap-sucking) but also interacting endophytically within plant tissues. Their colonization of the plant may strengthen such resistance and enhances the plant's natural defences, which indirectly reduce pests and increase the resilience of plants. Moreover, the development of innovative formulation technologies in recent years has also enhanced the persistence and field efficacy of B. bassiana, allowing its practical usage possible across a wide range of agro-climatic conditions. This fungus, which can be a direct insecticide and cause plant systemic resistance, has several properties that help to reduce reliance on chemical pesticide use. This study has examined the challenges and possibilities of using entomopathogenic fungus and points a way toward the adoption of commercially viable and environmentally sustainable pest control techniques in Indian agriculture and beyond.

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