Role of entomopathogenic fungi in tick control: A Review

Abstract

Entomopathogenic fungi are known to infect different tick species and the efficacy of these interesting fungi to control ticks is highly strain-specific. They comprise a wide range of morphologically, phylogenetically, and ecologically diverse fungal species fungal bio control agents have been tested under laboratory and to certain extent at field level too against R. (B.) microplus ticks. The results are significant in both trials and they can be recommended for field use. The fungi such as Beauveria bassiana, Verticiliium lecanii and Metarhizium anisopliae and are well known entomopathogens that have been commercially developed as biopesticides. With increased commercialization, entomopathogenic fungi are poised to become a significant component of integrated pest management. This article reviews these promising microbial agents, their action against against ticks; the scope of applicability in field conditions and potential of these fungi as biological control agent against R. (B.) microplus ticks.