Advancements in the Use of Entomopathogenic Microbes for Pest and Disease Management- A Review
Puskar Shukla *
Department of Plant Pathology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002, U.P, India.
Devanand R. Bankar
Department of Entomology, Mahatama Phule Krishi Vidhyapeeth, Rahuri-413722, Maharashtra, India.
Arun Kumar
Department of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002, U.P, India.
Muhammad Suhaib Ismayil M.
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences GKVK, Bengaluru-560065, Karnataka, India.
Ashutosh Singh Aman
Department of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002, U.P, India.
Pramod Kumar Mishra
Department of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002, U.P, India.
Himendra Raj Raghuvanshi *
Department of Plant Pathology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002, U.P, India.
Mateti Gayithri
Department of Plant Pathology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This comprehensive review presents an in-depth analysis of the role of entomopathogenic microbes in insect pest and disease management. The study covers the taxonomy and classification of these organisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and nematodes, all of which have shown efficacy in controlling various insect pests. Entomopathogenic microbes represent a valuable, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides, highlighting their significant role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. The review reveals that entomopathogenic microbes affect pests at different developmental stages through various mechanisms, including disease induction, parasitism, and competition for resources. The effects are not just lethal but also sub-lethal, affecting pest reproductive capacity, growth, and development. The microbes secondary metabolites often have antimicrobial properties, contributing to plant disease management by suppressing plant pathogens. Despite their promising potential, challenges exist in the widespread application of these microbes. Factors such as formulation, delivery, and environmental conditions can influence their effectiveness. The paper also discusses the importance of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in understanding the complex interactions between microbes, insects, and plants, which could lead to the development of more targeted and efficient bio-control agents. The review outlines future directions for this field, emphasizing the necessity for more extensive research to enhance our understanding of entomopathogenic microbes, optimize their use, overcome the current challenges, and harness their potential for sustainable pest and disease management. The need for regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and effective utilization is also underscored. This paper underscores the untapped potential of entomopathogenic microbes as acritical component of sustainable agriculture.
Keywords: Antimicrobial properties bio-control, integrated pest management, microbial metabolomics, sustainability