Potentialities entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana as a biocontrol agent: A Review

Abstract

Entomopathogenic fungi are the predominant natural pathogens in most of the terrestrial ecosystems. The species richness, ubiquitous nature and observations of epizootics among insect population indicate the great potential of these microbes to regulate the pestiferous species. High virulence, eco-friendliness, bio-persistence, host specificity and the increased biodiversity in managed ecosystem, are some of the attributes of these insect pathogens that enable them to be incorporated as an eco-friendly component in integrated pest management programs. They have gained a great momentum worldwide as an effective biocontrol agent. The ecofriendly control of various insect pests involves the use of myco-insecticide based on Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium lecanii, Lecanicillium spp., Isaria fumosorosea and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus. The entomopathogenic fungi belonging to Entomophthorales and Hypomycetes are responsible for epizootics in the insect population. Among the fungal pathogens Beauveria bassiana has assumed a prime role in the management of various arthropod species of forestry, veterinary, medical and agricultural importance.