Interactions between parasitoids and entomopathogenic fungi: Approaches for sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Fungi play an important role in agroecosystems by directly or indirectly influencing parasitoid-host dynamics and thereby contributing to biological control. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs), such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, infect both insect hosts and different parasitoid species in Braconidae and Ichneumonidae, reducing parasitoid survival rates, developmental processes, and overall efficiency. EPFs can alter host physiology and the immune system, increasing or reducing the success of parasitoid infection. These processes are crucial factors in determining the effectiveness of pest control and maintaining ecological balance. Understanding the interactions between fungi, parasitoids, and hosts is essential for improving biological control programs and developing sustainable pest management strategies. This review highlights the role of some entomopathogenic fungal species associated with parasitoids in these diverse interactions and discusses their potential applications in integrated pest management.