Role of entomopathogenic fungi and nematophagous fungi in mosquito control

Abstract By disseminating viruses and parasites like malaria and dengue, mosquitoes contribute to problems with global health. Unfortunately, resistance and high cost make the current insecticide-based control methods only moderately effective. In order to control mosquito-borne diseases, scalable, long-lasting, and affordable strategies are required. At present, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are being considered as a naturally occurring vector control agent. Spores and metabolites of EPF have been confirmed to cause histopathological toxicity in mosquitoes at their larval stage. The ability of EPF to kill mosquito larvae has also made them increasingly desirable in recent years for use in the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles. At extremely low concentrations, fungi-based nanoparticles are an effective mosquito larvicidal agent. Likewise, several nematophagous fungi have the ability to suppress the pest and act as natural biocontrol agents. Nematophagous fungi exhibit over 50 nematicidal metabolites, which can serve as precursors for the production of nanoparticles with insecticidal properties. However, there have only been a limited number of studies conducted on this subject. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to emphasize the significance of EPF and nematophagous fungi in the insect pest management so that the potential application of these beneficial organisms can be used to the fullest.