Mycological nanoparticles and their impact on lepidopteran pests: A short review

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are currently being investigated as biocontrol agents. These fungi enter the insect integument, producing secondary metabolites and enzymes that cause substantial damage or death in the pest. Beauvericin is a secondary metabolite produced by EPF that has insecticidal properties. Although these methods are effective, their implementation is hampered by their time-consuming and costly character. To solve these challenges, we need a potential biological agent that is safe, effective, environmentally friendly and has a fast rate of action. Nanotechnology is an emerging field, that can be found in a wide range of applications in industries, including the food, pharmaceutical, medical, energy, and agricultural sector especially in pest control. Pesticides based on nanoparticles and secondary metabolites released by EPF have the potential to be a viable pest management strategy. Iron nanoparticles can be used in conjunction with metabolites generated by entomopathogenic fungi to control the lepidopteran population, which may be a more current and effective technique.