Biocontrol prospects of entomopathogenic fungi against mustard insect pests : An overview
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Authors
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Prabhu Prasanna Pradhan
Dept. of Entomology, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, CUTM, Paralakhemundi–761211, Odisha, India
Author
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Ashok Kumar Sharma
ICAR- Indian Institute of Rapeseed Mustard Research, Sewar, Bharatpur 321 303, Rajasthan, India
Author
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Rudra Narayan Borkakati
AAU-ZRS, Shillongani, Nagaon-782 002, Assam, India
Author
Keywords:
Beauveria bassiana, biological control, Brassica spp., entomopathogenic fungi, Lecanicillium lecanii, mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi), Metarhizium anisopliae, sawfly (Athalia lugens proxima), neem formulationsAbstract
Mustard crops (Brassica spp.) face significant yield losses from insect pests like mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) and
sawfly (Athalia lugens proxima). Chemical insecticides are effective but their environmental and ecological risks drive
the need for sustainable alternatives. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), including Lecanicillium lecanii, Beauveria
bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Nomuraea rileyi have shown strong potential against these pests in laboratory,
greenhouse, and field studies. L. lecanii and B. bassiana exhibit high virulence, achieving 70-90% mortality of M.
persicae and L. erysimi under optimal conditions (22-28°C, 80-95% humidity). Combining EPF with neem-based
biopesticides or reduced chemical insecticide doses effectively suppresses pest populations below economic thresholds.
However, some EPF can affect natural enemies like coccinellids, chrysopids, and predatory beetles, necessitating careful
application strategies. EPF, particularly L. lecanii and B. bassiana, offer a promising, eco-friendly component for
integrated pest management (IPM) in mustard crops. Further research is needed to optimize formulations, improve field
persistence, and ensure compatibility with beneficial insects for broader adoption.
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