A review on the genus Metarhizium as an entomopathogenic microbial biocontrol agent with emphasis on its use and utility in Mexico

Metarhizium is a genus of entomopathogenic fungi that was initially classified into three species and varieties. More recently, DNA sequencing has improved the phylogenetic resolution of Metarhizium which now includes 30 species. The insect host ranges vary within the genus and some species such as...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biocontrol science and technology 2019-01, Vol.29 (1), p.83-102
Main Authors: Brunner-Mendoza, Carolina, Reyes-Montes, María del Rocío, Moonjely, Soumya, Bidochka, Michael J, Toriello, Conchita
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agronomy
Biological control
Clavicipitaceae
Climatic conditions
Corn
Crops
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Disease control
DNA
DNA sequencing
Economic importance
entomopathogenic
Entomopathogenic fungi
Fungi
Herbivores
Host range
Insecticides
Insects
Locusts
Metarhizium
Microorganisms
Organic chemistry
Orthoptera
Pest control
Pests
Phylogeny
Plants (botany)
Rhizosphere
Skin
Soil microorganisms
Species
Species classification
Sugarcane
Vectors
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Summary:Metarhizium is a genus of entomopathogenic fungi that was initially classified into three species and varieties. More recently, DNA sequencing has improved the phylogenetic resolution of Metarhizium which now includes 30 species. The insect host ranges vary within the genus and some species such as M. robertsii have broad host ranges, while others such as M. acridum show a narrow host range and are restricted to the order Orthoptera. Metarhizium spp. are ubiquitous naturally occurring soil inhabiting fungi, and some are rhizosphere colonisers and their diversity has been attributed to various selective factors (habitat type, climatic conditions, specific associations with plants and insect hosts). Metarhizium have been used for the biological control of insect pests that affect economically important agricultural crops and have been tested under laboratory and field conditions for the control of insect vectors of human disease, showing the effectiveness of the fungus against the target pest. In Mexico, Metarhizium species have been used for the control of insect pests such as the spittlebug (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), and locusts (Orthoptera) that affect crops such as corn, bean and sugarcane. Biosafety studies, such as dermal and intragastric tests in mammalian models have also been carried out to ensure safety to humans and other animals. Metarhizium shows great promise as an alternative to chemical insecticides that has relatively low impact on human health and the environment. Key features of Metarhizium for biocontrol of insects are outlined with special reference to their utility in Mexico.
ISSN:0958-3157
1360-0478
DOI:10.1080/09583157.2018.1531111