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Entomopathogenic fungi as biological controllers: New insights into their virulence and pathogenicity

Shahid Ali Ahmad (National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, West Canal Bank Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore, Pakistan)
Rao Qayyum Abdul (National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, West Canal Bank Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore, Pakistan)
Bakhsh Allah (National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, West Canal Bank Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore, Pakistan)
Husnain Tayyab (National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, West Canal Bank Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore, Pakistan)

Entomopathogenic fungi vary considerably in their mode of action and virulence. Successful infection depends primarily on the adherence and penetration ability of a fungus to the host integuments. A variety of extracellular enzymes is produced during the degradation of insect integument. The attempts to control insects have changed over time from chemicals to natural control methods. This is why the development of natural methods of insect control or biopesticides, is preferred. By the use of fungal entomopathogens, insect pests can be controlled. There is no doubt that insects have been used for many years, but their effective use in the field remains elusive. However, their additional role in nature has also been discovered. Comparison of entomopathogens with conventional chemical pesticides depends on their efficiency and cost. In addition to efficiency, there are advantages in using microbial control agents, such as human safety and other non-target organisms; pesticide residues are minimized in food and biodiversity increased in managed ecosystems. In the present review the pathogenicity and virulence of entomopathogenic fungi and their role as biological control agents using biotechnology will be discussed.

Keywords: Entomopathogenic fungi, pathogenicity, virulence, proteinases, biocontrol and biopesticides