Advances in the use of entomopathogenic fungi to control ixodid ticks

Ticks are obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites of major veterinary and medical importance, and their control relies heavily on synthetic acaricides, a strategy increasingly compromised by resistance and environmental concerns. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have gained significant prominence as biological alternatives for integrated tick management. This review synthesizes over two decades of advances in fungal-based tick control, including recent field trials, formulation technologies, and omics-driven mechanistic insights. Evidence shows that species within the genera Metarhizium and Beauveria exhibit consistent pathogenicity against several ixodid ticks, although efficacy varies with fungal isolate, propagule type, formulation, and environmental conditions. Advances in omics approaches have improved understanding of infection mechanisms and tick immune responses, while formulation and delivery innovations have enhanced fungal stability and field persistence. Field studies demonstrate variable but promising efficacy, particularly when EPF are applied within integrated control strategies. However, important challenges remain, including limited large-scale field validation and optimization of formulations. By integrating laboratory, field, and commercial evidence across production systems, this review identifies key technological bottlenecks and highlights future directions for climate-resilient and sustainable tick control.