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

BIOPROSPECTION OF BEAUVERICIN AS A STRATEGY FOR CONTROLLING AGRICULTURAL PESTS

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.

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.

Assessment of Botanical Pesticides as Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Crop Protection

The escalating reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides has caused significant environmental degradation, raised human health concerns, and accelerated the development of pesticide resistance. In response to these pressing challenges, botanical pesticides, which utilize natural plant-derived compounds, offer a viable, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative for crop protection. Derived from sources such as neem, pyrethrum, and various essential oils, these natural secondary metabolites exhibit diverse modes of action against destructive pests, including neurotoxicity, antifeedant effects, and growth inhibition. This review paper comprehensively assesses the application of botanical pesticides, highlighting their numerous ecological benefits such as rapid biodegradability, lower environmental persistence, and minimal toxicity towards non-target organisms like pollinators. Despite these advantages, the widespread commercialization of botanical biopesticides faces several limitations, including variability in active compound concentration, slower knockdown rates compared to synthetics, and regulatory hurdles rooted in frameworks originally designed for conventional chemicals. To overcome these challenges, contemporary advancements in formulation technologies, such as microencapsulation and nanotechnology, are being explored to enhance their stability and field efficacy. Ultimately, the integration of botanical pesticides into modern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies is essential for transitioning towards resilient, productive, and environmentally sustainable agricultural systems globally.

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

Application of Biological Control Agents for Management of Insect Pests in Agricultural Crops

The escalating reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides in modern agriculture has precipitated critical ecological concerns, including environmental degradation, human health risks, and the emergence of insecticide-resistant pest populations. Biological control, or biocontrol, emerges as a vital, sustainable alternative that leverages natural enemies—such as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens—to regulate insect pest densities below economic injury levels. This paper examines the application of biological control agents (BCAs) for managing insect pests in agricultural systems, highlighting the efficacy of various agents including entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses, and predatory arthropods. By integrating BCAs into broader Integrated Pest Management (IPM) frameworks, agricultural systems can reduce chemical dependencies while fostering biodiversity and ecological balance. The discussion focuses on the mechanisms of action, successful case studies, and the challenges associated with field application, such as environmental sensitivity and the need for specialized deployment strategies. Furthermore, the paper addresses the shift toward "smart" biocontrol, incorporating modern biotechnological tools and precision agriculture to enhance the stability and predictability of pest management outcomes. Ultimately, the systematic application of biological control agents represents a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, essential for achieving global food security, preserving agro-ecosystem health, and mitigating the detrimental impacts of climate change on crop production.

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

EPNs are increasingly used in Africa for managing key agricultural pests due to their effectiveness against banana weevils, fall armyworm, sweet potato weevils, and white grubs, but the key challenges include, temperature sensitivity and farmer adoption, however, ongoing research and local production are improving accessibility.