Entomopathogenic Fungi as Endophyte: An Emerging Tool for Biological Pest Control

Abstract

Biological control using fungal entomopathogen is an effective and sustainable alternative to chemical control of insect pests. However, despite enormous potential, they have not been fully utilized due to their susceptibility to unfavorable abiotic factors such as ultraviolet (UV) light and low humidity. An increasing number of studies in the last decade demonstrates that entomopathogenic fungi have wider ecology than previously thought. They have been found to colonize various plant naturally as endophyte as well as they have been successfully established in plants with various inoculation methods. In planta presence of these fungi can overcome the impediments arise from inundative application of fungal suspension as they have been found not only protect the host plant from pest and disease but also act as a plant growth promoter. In this review, we discussed the multiple benefits provided by fungal entomopathogens following their association with the host plant as an endophyte and highlights the prospects of incorporating fungal endophytes as an integral part of pest management programs towards sustainable crop production.