Commercialization of Entomopathogenic Fungi
摘要
The agriculture sector is a source of food for the growing population. To meet food demand, farmers are applying numerous synthetic pesticides to protect their crops. Synthetic pesticides not only protect crops from pest populations but also pollute the ecosystem and harm beneficial microorganisms. To maintain an ecosystem balance without destroying beneficial microorganisms and enhancing crop productivity, there is a need to find an alternative prospect that suppresses pest populations without affecting the ecosystem. Biopesticides are the best alternative approach, exhibiting characteristics similar to those of synthetic pesticides. Biopesticides include living agents that help to suppress pest populations. Among different biological agents, fungi are an excellent substitute for all, as they infect the host pest, adjust according to their immunity, consume them as food, proliferate, and suppress their metabolic activity, ultimately causing them to die. To utilize EPF as a sustainable solution to enhance food productivity, it is necessary to formulate EPF-based biopesticides in mass quantities and commercialize them. EPF-based biopesticide commercialization provides many opportunities, such as eco-friendly pest management, a broad host range, and enhanced plant health that help in developing sustainable agriculture. To utilize these opportunities, it is necessary to adapt biopesticides in farming practices. Adaptation is not as easy as it looks; various factors require overcoming certain challenges, such as quality maintenance issues, limited storage life, insufficient knowledge, costly manufacturing hurdles, sensitivity to ecological stressors, and a lack of suitable formulations. Challenges faced during commercialization can also be overcome through effective strategies when integrated with agricultural practices.