Potential of Entomopathogenic Fungi as Biopesticides

The growing demand for reducing chemical inputs in agriculture and increased resistance to insecticides have provided great impetus to the development of alternative forms of insect-pest control. Entomopathogenic fungi are potentially the most versatile biological control agents due to their wide host range. These fungi comprise a diverse group of over 90 genera with approximately 750 species, reported from different insects. Entomopathogenic fungi are naturally occurring organisms which are perceived as less damaging to the environment. Their mode of action appears little complex which makes it highly unlikely that resistance could be developed to a biopesticide. Past research has shown some promise of the use of fungi as a selective pesticide. The current paper updates us about the recent progress in the field of Entomopathogenic fungi of insect pests and their possible mechanism of action to further enhance our understanding about the biological control of insect pests.