Entomo-Pathogenic Nematode: An Effective and Eco-Friendly Alternative to Synthetic Pesticides. A Review

Environmentally safe methods for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes

Plant-parasitic nematodes are the most widespread group of harmful organisms, capable of causing significant damage to agricultural crops and substantial yield losses. In areas affected by nematodes, secondary infections caused by pathogenic fungi and bacteria often develop; moreover, nematodes serve as vectors of viruses, further aggravating the phytosanitary condition of agroecosystems. Traditional control methods, such as thermotherapy and fumigation, have a number of limitations, including short-term efficacy, toxicity to humans and the environment, accumulation of pesticides in soil and agricultural produce, and the risk of pathogen resistance development. Consequently, there is an urgent need to search for, study, and implement environmentally safe methods for protecting plants against plant-parasitic nematodes. The aim of this study is to synthesize and analyze current domestic and international data on plant-parasitic nematodes as one of the most significant factors reducing crop yields, and to assess the prospects for the application of environmentally safe biological and biotechnological plant protection methods. Recent research highlights the potential of nematophagous fungi (Arthrobotrys, Trichoderma, Purpureocillium, Metarhizium, Beauveria), which suppress nematodes through predation, parasitism, or toxin production; antagonistic bacteria (Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Serratia), which synthesize antibiotics, enzymes, and toxins, activate plant defense responses, and compete for resources. An important role is also assigned to various agrotechnical practices that can reduce the invasive load and stabilize the phytosanitary condition of the soil. The use of antagonistic plants and phytochemical agents is also relevant. Thus, biological methods for protecting plants against plant-parasitic nematodes represent a promising alternative to chemical nematicides.

Sustainable Control Strategies for Thrips in Agricultural Crops: A Review

Sustainable farming faces an ongoing challenge from thrips, which are widespread agricultural pests that cause severe crop damage and spread harmful plant viruses. The overuse of chemical pesticides has backfired, leading to pest resistance, leaving toxic residues in the soil, and harming beneficial organisms, highlighting the need for eco-friendly alternatives for thrips management. Using biological controls offers a reliable path forward by capitalising on the natural interaction between predatory insects and plant-derived compounds. Beneficial organisms, such as Amblyseius swirskii (predatory mites) and minute pirate bugs, work alongside a variety of parasitoids to control thrips populations naturally. Furthermore, microscopic allies such as beneficial nematodes and specialised fungi (Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae) can be deployed to target pests at vulnerable points in their life cycles. Turning to botanical sprays, such as tobacco and neem-derived azadirachtin, also allows farmers to reduce dependency on synthetic chemical treatment. Combining these biological agents and botanical extracts into a unified Integrated Pest Management (IPM) model helps growers protect their crop yields, reduce chemical footprints, and build long-term agricultural resilience.

Integrating entomopathogenic nematodes and nanotechnology for next-generation insect pest management

Entomopathogenic fungi in rice agroecosystems: multitrophic interactions and implications for arthropod management

The conditions under which EPF can reliably provide resilient protection of rice are established, linking molecular pathways to population and landscape-scale outcomes in flooded paddy environments.

Beyond synergy: Integration of entomopathogenic fungi and botanicals as eco-friendly solutions for sustainable pest management

A review of combinatorial strategies, that leverage independent yet complementary modes of action, not only preventing the evolution of resistance but also increasing mortality, yielding significantly lower median lethal concentration (LC50) and median lethal time (LT50) values than those obtained with single agent treatments.

Application of entomopathogenic fungi for managing fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae): strategies to optimize bioinputs and enhance the production of healthy guava

Abstract The guava tree, Psidium guajava (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), is a tropical fruit species native to South and Central America and is widely cultivated in Brazil due to favorable soil and climate conditions for commercial production. Brazil is the third-largest guava-producing country in the world. Consequently, the fruit's nutritional value, agricultural production, industrial processing, and exports have expanded. However, this fruit tree is susceptible to pest infestations throughout its phenological cycle, resulting in qualitative and quantitative losses that may render the fruit unsuitable for fresh consumption. Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae) are the main pests affecting guava. Growing restrictions on chemical pesticide use, due to their toxicity to human health and the development of insecticide resistance in pest species, have intensified the search for sustainable alternatives for pest control. Microbial control using entomopathogenic fungi against these pest species is essential for the economic sustainability of guava production. Entomopathogenic fungi are effective because they infect hosts at multiple developmental stages, penetrate the cuticle, and persist in the environment, leading to greater control efficacy. They pose minimal risk to non-target beneficial organisms, including bees, earthworms, collembolans, parasitoids, and predators. This review examines how Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae can enhance fruit fly management, improve plant, and fruit health, increase yield, and provide effective biological control solutions. It also promotes sustainability by encouraging agricultural practices that conserve environmental integrity and biodiversity.