Entomopathogenic Fungi as Biocontrol Agents in Agriculture

Abstract

Insect pests cause about 42% crop losses worldwide and mainstay use of synthetic chemical pesticides over last 50 years causes severe damage to human and environmental health. Thus demand for IPM strategies influencing the use of biocontrol agents. Use of microorganisms as biological control agents is the most attractive and nonhazardous alternative method for insect pest management. These agents cause devastation to pest population without any health hazards to human population. Also the complex mode of action of these pathogens reduces the chances of resistance development. However, entomopathogenic fungi constitute a group of great interest for the biological control of insect- pest.