A review on the Utilization of Entomopathogenic Microorganisms for the Biological Suppression of Soil-Dwelling Insect Pests: Advances, Constraints, and Future Perspectives
MADHANRAM G *
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar -190025, India.
SHAHEEN GUL
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar -190025, India.
SURIYA S
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar -190025, India.
VENGATESHKUMAR M
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar -190025, India.
MAHESHWARI S
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar -190025, India.
CHARANKUMAR BT
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar -190025, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Insect pests significantly impact agriculture, causing substantial crop losses globally. In India, yield losses due to pests, diseases, and weeds range from 10% to 35% annually, influenced by agro-climatic conditions and agronomic practices. Among them, soil-dwelling pests, in particular, inflict severe damage at various crop stages. For instance, in 2023, Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) caused losses exceeding 518 million bushels in the U.S. Microbial control presents a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Entomopathogenic microbes like —bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and viruses can — effectively target soil pests while minimizing environmental harm. Notable successes, such as white grub suppression using Beauveria bassiana in India (Chaithra, 2023), highlight their potential. Existing strategies, including biopesticide sprays, seed treatments, soil drenching, and microbiome-based approaches, have shown promise, yet challenges like formulation stability, cost efficiency, and adaptability remain. This review examines current trends and future innovations in microbial pest control. Cutting-edge advancements such as biocircuit engineering, climate-resilient microbes, and AI-driven pest monitoring are transforming the field. Additionally, quorum sensing disruption, synthetic microbial consortia (SynComs), and nanotechnology-based delivery systems offer new avenues for enhancing microbial efficacy. Addressing these challenges is crucial for strengthening pest management, reducing chemical dependency, and ensuring sustainable agriculture.
Keywords: Sustainable agriculture, climate change, resilient microbes, biocircuit engineering, endophytic engineering, SynComs, quorum sensing modulation