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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Isolation, Behavioral Identification, and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Forest Wood Borer
Published on: September 29, 2023
Endophytic Entomopathogenic Fungi Shape Herbivore Behavior and Plant-Insect Interactions: Implications for Biological
Rana H M Hussien1,2, Alexandra M Kortsinoglou3, Martyn J Wood4
1Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza 12511, Egypt.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Endophytic entomopathogenic fungi (EEPF) enhance crop protection by altering plant chemistry, which modifies herbivore behavior and reduces pest populations. These fungi offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides in integrated pest management (IPM).
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Mycology
- Ecology
Background:
- Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are recognized biological control agents.
- Their endophytic role (EEPF) establishes plant-mediated pest suppression via tripartite interactions.
- EEPF colonization influences herbivore behavior and performance in crops.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on herbivore responses to EEPF-colonized plants.
- To explore the mechanisms behind these plant-mediated interactions.
- To assess the implications for integrated pest management (IPM).
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing studies on EEPF and herbivore interactions.
- Analysis of behavioral and ecological responses of arthropods to EEPF.
- Examination of EEPF-induced changes in plant chemistry and insect fitness.
Main Results:
- EEPF colonization consistently alters herbivore feeding, host selection, and oviposition, often deterring pests.
- Fungi induce changes in plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and defensive metabolites.
- EEPF impair insect fitness, reducing development, survival, and fecundity, thus suppressing pest populations.
Conclusions:
- EEPF offer a sustainable approach to pest management by manipulating plant defenses and herbivore behavior.
- Further research is needed to understand mechanistic bases and field stability.
- Integrated approaches combining microbial ecology, chemical ecology, and insect behavior are crucial for advancing EEPF applications.
Keywords:
arthropod crop pestsendophytic entomopathogenic fungifitnessoviposition behaviorpest developmentplant physiologysurvivalMore Related Videos
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