entomopatogena

Entomopathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease in insects. These pathogens include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and nematodes. When an insect is infected, the entomopathogen replicates within or on the insect, often leading to the insect's death. The use of entomopathogens as biological control agents is a significant area of research and application in pest management. These agents offer an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides, as they are often highly specific to target insects and pose minimal risk to non-target organisms, including humans, livestock, and beneficial insects.

Bacterial entomopathogens, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), are widely used. Bt produces toxins that are lethal to specific insect larvae, and it is commercially available in various formulations. Fungal entomopathogens, like Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, infect insects by penetrating their cuticle and growing inside, eventually causing death. Viral entomopathogens, such as baculoviruses, are highly specific and can be very effective against particular insect pests. Nematodes, which are microscopic roundworms, can also act as entomopathogens, often entering insects through natural openings and releasing symbiotic bacteria that kill the host. The effectiveness of entomopathogens can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet radiation.