Fungi and Insect Interactions: Pathogenicity, Immune Defenses and Biocontrol

Dear Colleagues,

Invertebrate insects are the largest group of animals in nature and have significant effects on ecology, human health, and indigenous flora and fauna. Pathogenic fungi, which are naturally abundant, play a crucial role in regulating insect populations and have complex interactions with them. Pathogenic fungi (i.e., entomopathogenic fungi) can infect insects by attaching, germinating, and penetrating the host's exoskeleton, ultimately proliferating within the insect's body and tissues. In response, host insects have evolved physical barriers, immune responses, microbiota, and behavioral defenses against fungal infections. Furthermore, insect pathogenic fungi are valuable for biological-based pest management as they often lead to the death of the hosts. They can also act as facultative saprophytes in the soil and enhance plant resistance to herbivores as endophytes. While the general mechanisms of the interaction between fungi and insects are known, many aspects at the molecular, physiological, and behavioral levels remain unclear. Therefore, studying the interaction between fungi and insects in this specific context would provide valuable and extensive insights. To provide the recent advances on the study of fungi and insect interactions, we encourage the submission of all related topics, in a review, article, or perspective format, for publication in this issue.

Dr. Jiaqin Xie
Dr. Nicolás Pedrini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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