Biopesticide Development in Multitrophic Era

Dear Colleagues,

Insect pest control within sustainable development in agricultural, horticultural and forest systems (for both plant and animal targets) includes diversified and complementary approaches to reduce conventional pesticide applications. An integrated pest management means the development of biological control with direct effects by macro-organisms such as entomophagous predators/parasites but also entomopathogenic microbials such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Also, microorganisms can be indirectly used to enhance biological control programs (such as PGPR, for Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria), and lead to pest control in terms of plant/animal defense elicitation. In a multitrophic era, microbials from diverse origins, including soil, plant, animal hosts whose insects, can be (in)directly used to improve biological control practices. This special journal issue will include original research articles and mini-reviews focusing on the latest developments in bio-pesticides in various agricultural, horticultural and forest pests considering macro- and micro-organisms also including the diversity of microbiota related to all interacting living organisms in ecosystems. Comprehensive illustrations of these interactions will be considered including how diverse microbials affect plant/animal host - insect interactions and thereby enhance bio-control efficiency. Future challenges to promote the use of biopesticides for improved biological pest control will be the final aim.

Prof. Frederic Francis
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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