A Review on Biological Control of Diamondback Moth and Other Crucifer
Insect Pests by Microbial Entomopathogenic Fungi
Abstract
Cruciferous crops including cabbage, cauliflower, mustard, broccoli, and
radish, are crucial components of winter crop production. These crops
face significant threats from a range of insect pests, notably Pieris
brassicae (cabbage butterfly), Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth),
Brevicoryne brassicae (cabbage aphid), and Trichoplusia ni (cabbage
looper). Diamondback moth (DBM), stands out as a global scourge, causing
up to 80% of crucifer crop losses worldwide. Alarmingly, DBM has
developed resistance to a staggering array of synthetic insecticides,
rendering traditional chemical control strategies increasingly
ineffective. This growing crisis necessitates a transition to
environmentally friendly pest management methods, and entomopathogenic
fungi (EPF) have emerged as promising solutions. EPFs, such as Beauveria
bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Verticillium lecanii offer
sustainable alternatives. These fungi, with their diverse insect hosts
and compatibility, have demonstrated significant efficacy against
lepidopteran insect pests. With approximately 750 EPF species identified
over the last century, their adaptability to various ecosystems is
evident. EPF possesses formidable enzymatic capabilities and produces
potent toxins, making them formidable biological control agents. Once
they infect an insect host, EPF exhibits vigorous vegetative growth,
invading host tissues and triggering a cascade of physiological,
histological, and pathological changes, ultimately resulting in the
death of the host insect. The versatility of EPF, including their wide
host range, environmental prevalence, enzymatic prowess, and lethal
toxins, positions them as ideal candidates for sustainable and
eco-friendly pest management strategies in cruciferous crop production.
This review explores the potential of microbial entomopathogenic fungi,
specifically B. bassiana and M. anisopliae, in addressing the challenges
posed by DBM and other crucifer insect pests, shedding light on
sustainable pest control methods for cruciferous crops.