Advances in the use of entomopathogenic bacteria/microbial control agents (MCAs) as biopesticides in suppressing crop insect pests

Description

Biopesticides based on entomopathogenic bacteria are the most economically successful microbial pesticides and an effective and safe alternative to increase sustainability of agricultural crop production. Hallmarks of bacterial biopesticides include potent and highly specific insecticidal activity, environmental safety, and more streamlined registration compared to synthetics. The type and number of insecticidal proteins produced by the bacteria dictate specificity and activity range. Most successful commercialized bacterial-based products have been based on spore-forming entomopathogens, mainly Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), yet innovative formulation and application technologies allow successful commercialization of non-spore formers. Research needs to improve and increase the bacterial biopesticide adoption include increasing virulence and extending field and shelf life, reduction of production costs, and better registration and distribution processes across different markets. This chapter reviews currently available science-based information on commercialized bacterial entomopathogens, advantages and drawbacks from their use, and discusses research needs and emerging initiatives.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Overview of commercialized entomopathogenic bacteria 3 Commercialized spore-forming bacterial entomopathogens 4 Spore-forming bacteria with potential for future commercialization 5 Commercialized non-spore-forming entomopathogenic bacteria 6 Non-spore-forming entomopathogenic bacteria with potential for commercialization 7 Microbial control agents (MCAs) 8 Advantages and drawbacks on the use of bacterial biopesticides 9 Future trends in research 10 Where to look or further information 11 References