<div>Background: Entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) can provide safe and efficient insect pest management. Temperature, relative humidity (RH), light, air, nutritional content and host physiological condition are all elements that impact the proliferation and virulence of entomopathogenic fungus. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of different temperatures on germination, growth, sporulation of entomopathogenic fungi and on their pathogenicity against Tetranychus urticae Koch was studied.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Laboratory experiment was conducted to study the impact of temperature on germination, radial growth and sporulation of five entomopathogenic fungal isolates viz., B. bassiana (Bb 111), B. bassiana (Bb 112), B. bassiana (Bb 113), B. bassiana (Bb 114) and M. flavoviride var. minus. Virulence of five entomopathogenic fungal isolates subjected to different temperature against T. urticae also evaluated through laboratory bioassay techniques. 
 
Result: Results one valuation of entomopathogenic fungal isolates with four different temperatures at 20&deg;C, 25&deg;C, 30&deg;C and 35&deg;C showed that 25&deg;C was optimum for germination, radial growth and sporulation. Maximum germination was recorded with the entomopathogenic isolate Beauveria bassiana (Bb 112) (95.67%) at 25&deg;C. Interestingly, at 25&deg;C all the B. bassiana isolates showed a radial growth of more than 50 mm with the highest recorded as 84.67 mm by B. bassiana (Bb 111).&nbsp; Maximum spore production was observed with B. bassiana (Bb 112) at 25&deg;C (1.63 x 106 spores ml-1) followed by B. bassiana (Bb 111) (1.45 x 106 spores ml-1).&nbsp; It was also the most pathogenic against T. urticae at 25 and 30&deg;C. The isolate Bb112 grown at 25&deg;C caused higher mortality of 97.57 per cent against T. urticae. From the findings the isolates of B. bassiana (Bb 112) and (Bb 111) were found promising bio control agent against T. urticae with varying temperature.</div>

Laboratory Evaluation of Temperature Effects on Germination, Radial Growth and Sporulation of Entomopathogenic Fungi and on Their Pathogenicity to Red Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch

<div>Background: Rice is the staple food of Indians and it is attacked by more than 100 species of insects. Among all, brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens&nbsp;(Stal) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is one of the major sucking insects, which can cause appreciable damage by sucking sap on other hand transmitting viral diseases. Farming community using several insecticides for managing the BPH. However, continuous use of these insecticides causes health hazards and environmental pollution and also leads to development of insecticide resistance. Keeping this view in mind, the present investigation has been planned with combined use of fungal formulations and commonly used neonicotinoid insecticides in rice eco system for managing BPH.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: This experiment was carried out in two parts, one is studied the compatibility between neonicotinoids (Thiamethoxam 25 SG and Dinotefuran 20 SG) and entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Lecanicillium lecanii =Verticillium lecanii) by following the standard poison food technique. Second one is after studied the compatibility between neonicotinoids and entomopathogenic fungal agents, inhibitory studies were conducted under glasshouse conditions. 
 
Result: The study revealed that two tested insecticides affected the radial growth of fungi partially at all the three concentrations (0.5RC, RC and 1.5RC). At recommended concentration (RC), dinotefuran 20 SG @0.4 g/l was found to be slightly harmful to all three fungi (20% - 35% reduction of the growth of the fungus) and thiamethoxam 25 SG @ 0.25g/l appeared to be slightly harmful to B. bassiana and M. anisopliae and moderately harmful to L. lecanii (35-50% reduction of the growth of the fungus). Thiamethoxam 25SG alone recorded 65.0% mortality of BPH and when mixed with B. bassiana and M. anisopliae gave 86.25% and 81.25% mortality of BPH respectively under glass house conditions. Similarly, Dinotefuron 20 SG alone could gave 98.75% mortality of BPH.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Compatibility of Entomopathogenic Fungi with Neonicotinoids for the Management of Brown Plant Hopper of Rice, Nilaparvata lugens stal. (Delphacidae: Hemiptera)</div>

Biological control agents have become increasingly important component in integrated pest management programme. Entomopathogenic nematodes are effective biological control agents for many important insect pests of vegetable crops. Therefore entomopathogenic nematodes are gaining attention in the field of biocontrol research worldwide. With the development and improvement of isolation and identification technique many novel species and strains have been utilized for management of several insect pests. This review aims to explore the potentiality of entomopathogenic nematode species against economically important insect pest of vegetables in India as well as in other countries.&nbsp;

Entomopathogenic nematodes: A tool in biocontrol of insect pests&nbsp;of vegetables-A review

<div>Background: Tick infestation in cattle is commonly controlled using chemical acaricides producing acaricidal resistance, environmental pollution and hazards to human health. Biological control of ticks using entomopathogenic fungi can be an alternative to chemical acaricides and can be used in conjunction with chemical control in integrated pest management.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The isolation of entomopathogenic fungi was carried out from naturally infected ticks in Durg district of Chhattisgarh. The species confirmation of fungal isolates was conducted by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using ITS gene as a molecular marker. In vitro efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi at various concentrations against engorged (adult) female ticks and unfed (Nymphs), egg laying capacity and egg hatchability of treated Rhipicephalus microplus was assessed in laboratory.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The entomopathogenic fungi isolated from naturally infected ticks was confirmed as Fusarium beomiforme by morpho- molecular analysis. The efficacy of F. beomiforme against adult female and nymphs of R. microplus at the concentration of n x 108 spores ml-1 showed 100% mortality. The 100% reduction of egg laying capacity of treated female ticks and no hatchability of eggs treated with F. beomiforme at the concentration of n x 107 spores ml-1 and n x 108 spores ml-1 was observed.</div>

Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic Fungi Fusarium beomiforme against Rhipicephalus microplus Tick Infestation in Cattle

<div>Background: Entomopathogenic fungi are microorganisms that specifically infect and often kill insects and other arthropods. Most are non-pathogenic to plants and relatively non-toxic to humans and animals. Use of fungal entomopathogens can be an alternative to insecticides and could help in bio-intensive pest management. The current study aimed to study the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungal isolates against two Spotted Spider Mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch in tomato and broad Mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) in chilli.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: An extensive survey for the natural occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi on insects and mites was made in different agro climatic regions of Tamil Nadu during 2013 and 2014. Survey revealed the occurrence of two entomopathogenic fungi viz., Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Metarhizium flavoviride Gams and Rozsypal var. minus. Laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity of fourteen isolates of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Lecanicillium lecanii against Tetranychus urticae and Polyphagotarsonemus latus.&nbsp; 
 
Result: In opposition to T. urticae, the Beauveria bassiana isolate Bb 112 showed the highest toxicity of all the other isolates tested, with low LC50 value of 0.6 x106 spores ml-1 and LT50 of 92.60h. Against P. latus, Bb 112 had high virulence with low LC50 value of 0.3x106 spores ml-1 and LT50 value of 92.32h. Hence, there is potential for use of entomopathogenic fungi in the field conditions as an alternate control method in combating the insect pests and other arthropod pests since they are considered natural mortality agents and are environmentally safe.</div>

<div>Entomopathogenic Fungal Screening against Two Spotted Spider Mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch in Tomato and Broad Mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) in Chilli</div>

Background: Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are natural adversaries of insects, serving a crucial role in the regulation of insect pest populations. In response to the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize environmental protection, human safety and animal welfare, the utilization of bio-control agents like entomopathogenic fungi offers a superior and safe alternative to chemical pesticides. Entomopathogenic fungi effectively infect and eliminate insects, thereby contributing to the control of insect populations through the induction of lethal infections known as epizootics. Isolating EPF from the soil is an effective method as they naturally inhabit soil ecosystems. The north-eastern region of India possesses a forest cover exceeding 80%, with Manipur alone accounting for nearly 75% of forest cover in its total geographical area. This abundant forest cover, along with undisturbed land, contributes to the region&rsquo;s wealth of micro flora and fauna, including a thriving population of entomopathogenic fungi. However, the potential of these fungi in pest population management remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the diversity of these promising entomopathogenic fungi. 
 
Methods: In this study, we isolated fungi from the soils of ten districts of Manipur and identified several isolates with entomopathogenic properties. Soil bating using Galleria mellonella larvae was employed for the isolation of entomopathogenic fungi.&nbsp; 
 
Result: A total of 73 fungal isolates were obtained from 100 soil samples, out of which 54 were identified as entomopathogenic fungi. The genus Aspergillus constituted the most commonly isolated entomopathogenic fungi, followed by isolates of Beauveria, Clonostachys, Talaromyces, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Candida and Meyerozyma genera. Diversity studies revealed variations in the types and proportions of fungi among different regions of Manipur. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the virulence of the isolated entomopathogenic fungi, with 14 isolates of Beauveria bassiana and two isolates of Talaromyces purpureogenus causing 100% mortality of the test insects. The isolated fungi exhibited excellent performance in insect control and could be further mass-produced for effective pest management.

Isolation and Identification of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soils of Manipur (N-E India)

Background: Entomopathogens are foreign agents which elicits immune responses in insects. The insect innate immune system can identify and overcome these foreign-agents through cellular and humoral processes. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The current study reports the cellular encapsulation in Spodoptera litura to different test entomopathogens including Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Bacillus thuringiensis and Nuclear Polyhedrosis virus (Sl NPV). Third instar larvae were treated with the test entomopathogens and haemolymph was collected at different time intervals i.e., 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after infection (HAI) to study the cellular encapsulation responses. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The immediate response of larvae to entomopathogens infection was a significant increase in the number of encapsules formation when compared to the untreated control i.e., B. bassiana: 51&plusmn;2.52c, M. anisopliae: 42&plusmn;1d, Bt: 95&plusmn;1.53a, Sl NPV: 61&plusmn;2.52b&nbsp;and control: 4&plusmn;1.15e. However, after 3 days from the immune challenge, the number of encapsules formed was significantly lower i.e., B. bassiana: 11&plusmn;1.53b, M. anisopliae: 9&plusmn;1b, Bt: 21&plusmn;1.53a, Sl NPV: 10&plusmn;1b&nbsp;and control: 0. 
&nbsp;

Cellular Encapsulation in Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) Infected with Potential Entomopathogens

Mustard (Brassica juncea) is a versatile and widely cultivated plant in the Brassicaceae family. Among the primary factors impeding mustard yield, insect pest damage stands prominent. Insect pests such as mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi), mustard sawfly (Athalia lugens proxima), painted bug (Bagrada hilaris), diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)and cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae) cause significant damage to mustard production. The excessive reliance on chemical insecticides to control these insect pests may negatively affect non-target organisms such as beneficial insects, pollinatorsand natural enemies of pests, thus disrupting ecosystem balance and posing risks to biodiversity. In pursuit of sustainable alternatives to broad-spectrum chemical pesticides, entomopathogens play a pivotal role in safer pest management strategies. These biological control agents, including various fungi, bacteria, virusesand nematodes, specifically target insect pests while being safer for non-target organisms and the environment. With more widespread commercialization, entomopathogenic fungi hold significant promise in bolstering integrated pest management practices.

Scope of Entomopathogenic Fungi in the Mustard Ecosystem:&nbsp; A Review

Background: Biological plant protection with entomopathogenic fungi is a vital component of sustainable pest management. The most widely used entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium sp. And Isaria sp., though there are several other genera of EPF whose potential correlates to that of commonly used fungi for reducing insect pests. The primary goal of this study was to assess the efficiency of a few novel fungal isolates against insect pests.

Methods: Two concentrations of four different entomopathogenic fungi were evaluated for their potency against wax moth larvae, Galleria mellonella at Insectary, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

Result: Mortality was observed in both the concentrations of four fungi, among which Penicillium simplicissimum performed well on par with Clonostachys rosea and Purpureocillium lilacinum. Hence, these fungi could be formulated and utilized in biological pest control.

Novel Entomopathogenic Fungi of Tamil Nadu Soils and Their Pathogenicity on Waxmoth Larva (Galleria mellonella)

<div>Background: Helicoverpa armigera, a major cob borer pest in corn production, is commonly managed using chemical insecticides. However, intensive use of these chemicals poses serious long-term environmental and health risks. Therefore, there is an urgent need for sustainable and eco-friendly pest control alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungal consortia as an environmentally safe biocontrol strategy for managing H. armigera infestations in corn. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Twelve entomopathogenic fungal isolates were obtained from corn rhizosphere soil and tested in vitro against third-instar larvae of H. armigera. The evaluation was based on larval mortality rate, infection speed and behavioral changes. Based on these parameters, the isolates were grouped into three microbial consortia (A, B&nbsp;and C) and further assessed for synergistic compatibility. Field experiments were then conducted using a randomized block design (RBD). Each consortium was applied at a standardized spore density and compared with both a chemical control (Carbofuran) and an untreated control. 
&nbsp; 
Result: All fungal isolates achieved 100% larval mortality. Consortia A and B demonstrated significantly higher pathogenicity and synergistic interaction, effectively reducing pest attack intensity and severity. Field applications of Consortia A and B produced cob damage levels comparable to Carbofuran treatment and significantly improved cob length and weight. These findings confirm that entomopathogenic fungal consortia, particularly Consortia A and B, represent a promising and sustainable biological control approach to safeguard corn production against H. armigera infestations. 
&nbsp;</div>

Laboratory Evaluation of Temperature Effects on Germination, Radial Growth and Sporulation of Entomopathogenic Fungi and on Their Pathogenicity to Red Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch

Compatibility of Entomopathogenic Fungi with Neonicotinoids for the Management of Brown Plant Hopper of Rice, Nilaparvata lugens stal. (Delphacidae: Hemiptera)

Entomopathogenic nematodes: A tool in biocontrol of insect pests of vegetables-A review

Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic Fungi Fusarium beomiforme against Rhipicephalus microplus Tick Infestation in Cattle

Entomopathogenic Fungal Screening against Two Spotted Spider Mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch in Tomato and Broad Mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) in Chilli

Isolation and Identification of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soils of Manipur (N-E India)

Cellular Encapsulation in Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) Infected with Potential Entomopathogens

Scope of Entomopathogenic Fungi in the Mustard Ecosystem: A Review

Novel Entomopathogenic Fungi of Tamil Nadu Soils and Their Pathogenicity on Waxmoth Larva (Galleria mellonella)

The Entomopathogen Consortium’s Application to Save Corn Production against Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)