BIOPROSPECTION OF BEAUVERICIN AS A STRATEGY FOR CONTROLLING AGRICULTURAL PESTS

Abstract

The growing concern over the negative impact of chemical pesticides on the environment and human health justifies the search for sustainable alternatives, including microbial pesticides and metabolites produced by entomopathogenic fungi. The main goal of this study was to document and analyze the potential of beauvericin as a biotechnological tool for the control of agricultural pests. Beauvericin is a secondary metabolite produced by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill., characterized by its broad host spectrum and insecticidal properties of agricultural interest, which shows its importance as a safe and sustainable alternative for pest control. Its study will enable a better understanding of its mode of action and contribute to the development of new control strategies that strengthen agricultural pest management. This article describes entomopathogenic fungi of agricultural importance and the metabolites they produce, with emphasis on beauvericin and its mechanisms of action. Document analysis shows that this compound represents a promising alternative to conventional chemical pesticides due to its biological effectiveness, biodegradability, and lower risk of resistance development and ecotoxicological effects. Likewise, knowledge of its metabolic pathway and enzymatic mechanisms could contribute to the development of new strategies for the comprehensive management of pests and the strengthening of more sustainable agriculture.