Plant-Mediated Interactions Between Microbes and Insects in the Management of Plant Pests

Plant pests represent an increasing threat to the global food security. Although pesticides are conventionally controlled, their considerable damages to human and environment in addition to selecting resistant pathogens cannot be ignored. Consequently, alternative pest management techniques are more required for a sustainable farming and optimal functioning of the ecosystem. Biological control against plant pests based on the antagonistic ecological interactions between microbes and herbivorous insects has gaining more attention in last decades. Interactions between insects and microorganisms are modulated by the plant as a link between the above- and belowground biota. Plant-associated microbiota includes entomopathogenic microorganisms extensively used in pests’ management. Moreover, plant-associated microbes may enhance plant growth and defense system against herbivorous insects. Direct and indirect roles of plant-associated microorganisms in host-protection from pests’ attacks are well known. Molecular insights into plant-mediated interactions between microbes and insects, contributing to the enhancement of plant health and defense systems against insect aggression, spotted several research gaps related mainly to mechanisms underlying these interactions. Future prospects should mainly take the specificity of plant–microbe–insect interactions into consideration. This specificity may include genotypic and/or ecological aspects that should enhance the knowledge of the biocontrol mechanisms of insects by plant-associated microbes.