Materials Engineering to Help Pest Control: A Narrative Overview of Biopolymer-Based Entomopathogenic Fungi Formulations

J Fungi (Basel). 2023 Sep 12;9(9):918. doi: 10.3390/jof9090918.

Abstract

Biopolymer-based formulations show great promise in enhancing the effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi as bioinsecticides. Chitosan and starch, among other biopolymers, have been utilized to improve spore delivery, persistence, and adherence to target insects. These formulations offer advantages such as target specificity, eco-friendliness, and sustainability. However, challenges related to production costs, stability, and shelf life need to be addressed. Recently, biomimetic lure and kill approaches based on biopolymers offer cost-effective solutions by leveraging natural attractants. Further research is needed to optimize these formulations and overcome challenges. Biopolymer-based formulations have the potential to revolutionize pest control practices, providing environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions for agriculture.

Keywords: bioinsecticides; biopolymers; entomopathogenic fungi; integrated pest management.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

The authors acknowledge the financial support from the PON scholarship funded from the resources allocated by the MUR with the Ministerial Decree for ESF resources REACT-EU (Action I.1 “Dottorati Innovativi con caratterizzazione Industriale”; Grant number DOT1312707 CUP: F85F21005740001) and fund from the University of Salento. The research was also supported by POC PUGLIA FESRT-FSE 2014/2020 Fondo Sociale Europeo approvato con Decisione C(2015)5854 del 13/08/2015 Riparti (assegni di Ricerca per riPARTire con le imprese) and the PhD program.