Entomopathogenic and beneficial roles of metarhizium: A review

Résumé fourni par la source

Chemical pesticides are widely used for insect pest management, but their overuse has led to resistance, environmental contamination, and health hazards. This has created a need for effective biological alternatives, among which the genus Metarhizium (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) is notable. First described in 1879 as a cause of “green muscardine disease,” Metarhizium includes over 110 species that act as insect pathogens, soil saprobes, and plant endophytes. This review summarizes the taxonomy, biology, and infection process of Metarhizium, including adhesion, germination, and cuticle penetration, while examining the role of secondary metabolites like destruxins in virulence and safety. It highlights the genus’s applications beyond pest control, such as promoting plant growth and suppressing soil pathogens. The review also discusses formulation technologies, application methods, and challenges like shelf-life and production costs that hinder adoption. Finally, it outlines future research directions like genome editing and nano formulation to enhance the efficacy of Metarhizium-based biopesticides, showcasing its potential as a multifunctional organism in sustainable agriculture.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.