Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, are recognized as potent biological control agents due to their natural ability to infect and kill insect pests across various life stages. However, conventional EPF applications face several limitations, including environmental sensitivity, short shelf life, and slower action compared to chemical pesticides. The integration of nanotechnology presents a novel strategy to overcome these challenges by enhancing the efficacy, stability, and delivery of fungal biopesticides. Nano-formulations, including metal-based nanoparticles (e.g., silver, copper, zinc oxide, and selenium) and encapsulated fungal conidia, offer precision targeting, improved adhesion and penetration into insect cuticles, and protection from environmental degradation. These innovations not only increase pest mortality but also reduce non-target effects and environmental contamination. This review explores the taxonomy, infection mechanisms, and limitations of EPF, alongside recent advancements in nano-enabled delivery systems. It also highlights their synergistic potential with plant extracts and biocompatible carriers. It concludes by identifying future research needs, including omics-level insights, eco-safety evaluations, scalable formulation techniques, and integration into precision agriculture systems, emphasizing the transformative potential of EPF-nanotechnology fusion in sustainable pest management.

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Entomopathogenic Fungi and Their Nano-formulations: Bridging Nature and Technology

  • Indrani Sarkar,
  • Maunata Ghorui,
  • Shouvik Chowdhury,
  • Sashidhar Burla

摘要

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, are recognized as potent biological control agents due to their natural ability to infect and kill insect pests across various life stages. However, conventional EPF applications face several limitations, including environmental sensitivity, short shelf life, and slower action compared to chemical pesticides. The integration of nanotechnology presents a novel strategy to overcome these challenges by enhancing the efficacy, stability, and delivery of fungal biopesticides. Nano-formulations, including metal-based nanoparticles (e.g., silver, copper, zinc oxide, and selenium) and encapsulated fungal conidia, offer precision targeting, improved adhesion and penetration into insect cuticles, and protection from environmental degradation. These innovations not only increase pest mortality but also reduce non-target effects and environmental contamination. This review explores the taxonomy, infection mechanisms, and limitations of EPF, alongside recent advancements in nano-enabled delivery systems. It also highlights their synergistic potential with plant extracts and biocompatible carriers. It concludes by identifying future research needs, including omics-level insights, eco-safety evaluations, scalable formulation techniques, and integration into precision agriculture systems, emphasizing the transformative potential of EPF-nanotechnology fusion in sustainable pest management.