Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 92-98 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 96 4.3 Methodologies of application Different application techniques have been explored to maximize the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi. For example, 'dry' conidia of Metarhizium anisopliae strain V275 were more effective than 'wet' conidia in controlling adult Culicoides biting midges, suggesting that application form can significantly influence outcomes (Ansari et al., 2011). The application of entomopathogenic fungi on surfaces where pests rest, such as manure or leaf litter, has been shown to be a promising strategy. Additionally, the study of wild fungal strains against stored product beetle pests has highlighted the potential of untested strains and the importance of specificity in application (Figure 2) (Mantzoukas et al., 2023). In conclusion, the application of entomopathogenic fungi in rice pest control presents a promising avenue for sustainable agriculture. The methodologies of application, including spore spraying and baiting, are crucial for achieving high efficacy rates. The data suggests that these fungi can be effectively used in large-scale agricultural settings, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides (Kavallieratos et al., 2014; Pande and Mishra, 2018; Peng et al., 2020; Mantzoukas et al., 2023). 5 Assessment of Effectiveness and Challenges 5.1 Success rates and limitations Entomopathogenic fungi have shown promise as biological control agents in rice pest management. Studies have demonstrated that Metarhizium anisopliae can suppress rice planthopper populations effectively, with control efficiency exceeding 60% seven days post-application, comparable to chemical treatments (Peng et al., 2020). The persistence of this fungal agent on rice plants was observed for approximately 14 days, although a decreasing trend over time was noted (Peng et al., 2020). Similarly, the combination of Trichoderma asperellum with Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae has been reported to significantly increase tiller numbers and reduce the intensity of rice white stemborer attack symptoms (Sutarman et al., 2023). However, the success of entomopathogenic fungi can be limited by various factors. The existence of these fungi in the rhizosphere can be influenced by the history of land use and insecticide applications, which may affect their prevalence and efficacy (Noerfitryani and Hamzah, 2017; Budiarti and Nuryanti, 2022). Additionally, the mass production of these fungi for commercial application faces challenges, such as contamination and the suitability of substrates, which can impact the availability of resilient infective propagules (Mathulwe et al., 2022). 5.2 Environmental and economic considerations The application of entomopathogenic fungi has been shown to have minimal impact on non-target species, including the rice microbiota. Studies have found no significant changes in the microbial communities of the rice phyllosphere after the application of Metarhizium anisopliae, suggesting that indigenous microbial communities may adapt to fungal insecticide application (Peng et al., 2020). This indicates a potential advantage of fungal applications over chemical pesticides in terms of ecosystem health. In terms of cost-effectiveness, while the initial development and production of entomopathogenic fungi may require investment, their use could reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, which have been associated with negative effects on human health and environmental pollution (Mathulwe et al., 2022). Furthermore, the use of these fungi as part of integrated pest management strategies can contribute to sustainable agriculture by maintaining higher diversity and species richness in rice fields (Afandhi et al., 2020). In conclusion, entomopathogenic fungi offer a promising alternative to chemical pesticides for rice pest control. Their effectiveness, coupled with their minimal impact on non-target species and potential cost savings, underscores their value in sustainable agriculture. However, challenges such as production limitations and environmental factors must be addressed to optimize their use in the field.
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