Factors Affecting the Epizootics of Entomopathogenic Fungi-A Review
Mirza Abdul Qayyum, Huda Bilal, Unsar Naeem Ullah, Habib Ali, Hasnain Raza
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) specifically infect and kill insects can serve as a potential biological control agent. Several biotic and abiotic factors affect their occurrence, persistence, and epizootics caused by them. In biotic factors, fungi characters (host range, latency, spore density and dispersal, mainly host-pathogen compatibility), insect host factors (behavioral, morphological, and physiological), plant-mediated effects (plant architecture, surface chemistry, and leaf topology) are included supports or causes the barrier to mycobiopesticide. Abiotic factors which affect the EPF field persistence are mainly environmental (temperature, sunlight, humidity, rainfall) physical and chemical soil properties (soil texture, pH, E.c, moisture, C/N content, and organic matter) that greatly influence the entomopathogenic fungi. To use them as biocontrol agents, we have to overcome these factors by providing them nutrients, protectants, and using different control practices.