Entomopathogens and Parasitoids Allied in Biocontrol: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Biological pest control is an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides, using organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasitoids. However, efficacy is variable and combining different biocontrol agents could improve success rates. We conducted a systematic review of studies combining a parasitoid with an entomopathogenic microorganism, the first of its kind. We searched in Web of Science and extracted data from 49 publications matching the pre-defined inclusion criteria. Combinations of 36 hymenopteran parasitoids with 17 entomopathogenic microorganisms used to control 31 target pests were found. Trichogramma pretiosum and Encarsia formosa were the most frequently studied parasitoids, while Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Lecanicillium muscarium, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, the Spodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus, and the Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus were the main microbial agents assessed. Out of 49 parasitoid–microorganism combinations assessed in the laboratory experiments, thirty-eight were reported as compatible and six as incompatible. Timing and dosage of biopesticides played a crucial role, with later application and appropriate dosage minimizing adverse effects on parasitoid development. More research is needed to assess compatibility and efficacy under real-world conditions. Our review provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners to optimize the combined use of micro- and macroorganisms for effective pest control.

Altered Gene Expression of the Parasitoid Pteromalus puparum after Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana Infection

“…Previous research has suggested that the susceptibility of the aphid endoparasitoid Aphidius colemani to B. bassiana is high in laboratory settings, whereas lower infection rates are observed in greenhouse environments, likely due to complex environmental conditions [37]. Additionally, more studies have reported an additive effect rather than a reduced effect when these two biocontrol agents are combined [38,39]. Our results demonstrate that a spray of four conidia/mm 2 or the ingestion of 3 × 10 4 conidial/mL has an adverse effect on the survival rates of adult wasps.…”

A New Strain of Metarhizium robertsii Isolated from Loess Plateau and Its Virulence and Pathological Characteristics against Monochamus alternatus

“…But the adverse influences were slight [ 27 ]. Some species of beneficial insects have even been used to spread entomopathogenic fungi in some studies [ 28 , 29 ].…”

Isolation of a Novel Pythium Species, P. thermoculicivorax, and Trichoderma sp. from Natural Enzootic Mosquito Larval Infections

“…Interest in microbial insect pathogens stems, in part, from their potential as biological agents that can be used as alternatives to chemical pesticides due to their lower environmental toxicity and decreased off-target effects [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Examining naturally occurring enzootic diseases, particularly of insect pests, is important for increasing our understanding of basic ecological processes, but it also represents a reservoir for the discovery of locally adapted biological agents that could potentially be exploited for pest control [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”