Application of Entomopathogenic Fungi for Pest Biocontrol
A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 24
Special Issue Editors
Interests: entomopathognic fungi; fungal interactions; gene expression; microsclerotia; endophitism; microbial control
Interests: entomopathogenic fungi; insect immunity; gene expression; fungal secondary metabolites; virulence factors metabolites; virulence factors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The global demand for safer and more sustainable pest control solutions has increased interest in microbial biocontrol agents. The ecological flexibility of entomopathogenic fungi—ranging from parasitism to mutualism and saprotrophy—makes them especially well-suited for integration into pest management systems that value both effectiveness and sustainability.
These fungi have developed diverse strategies to interact with both biotic and abiotic components of their environment. Their ability to evade or suppress insect immune defenses reflects a long coevolutionary history with their hosts. Beyond pathogenesis, many entomopathogenic fungi are capable of colonizing plant roots and tissues, where they may enhance plant growth, stress tolerance, and pest resistance. These multifaceted interactions not only support their persistence in natural and agricultural systems but also expand their potential uses in integrated pest management.
Aim of the Special Issue
We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue of Journal of Fungi, titled Application of Entomopathogenic Fungi for Pest Biocontrol.
This Special Issue aims to bring together current research on the biochemistry and biology, ecology, and practical applications of entomopathogenic fungi. We seek contributions that connect fundamental knowledge with innovative biotechnological and field-based approaches, promoting a comprehensive view of entomopathogenic fungi as agents of biological control. Topics will include both basic and applied research—from molecular determinants of virulence and symbiosis to formulation development, field efficacy, and regulatory challenges—supporting the broader use of EPF in pest management strategies adapted to diverse agroecosystems and changing environmental conditions.
We welcome original research articles and reviews in areas including, but not limited to, the following:
- Development and optimization of entomopathogenic fungi-based biopesticides;
- Field evaluations and applications;
- Plant–fungus–insect interactions and tripartite relationships;
- Genetic improvement and strain selection;
- Formulation technologies and delivery systems;
- Compatibility with other control agents;
- Ecological safety and impact on non-target organisms;
- Biocontrol in stored grain and postharvest contexts;
- Regulatory and commercialization aspects;
- Entomopathogenic fungi performance under environmental stress and climate
We look forward to your contributions.
Dr. Carla Huarte-Bonnet
Dr. Nicolás Pedrini
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- entomopathogenic fungi
- biological control
- integrated pest management
- fungal ecology
- host–pathogen interactions
- sustainable agriculture
- insect pathogens
- plant–fungal interaction
- biopesticides
- microbial formulations
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