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Nanotechnology and entomopathogenic microorganisms in modern agriculture

Abstract:

The term entomopathogen refers to a microorganism capable of causing a disease to arthropods, leading to its death after a short incubation period. Nowadays few species of these microorganisms are known and being used to control a great variety of plague insects that affect the crops. At present, they turn out to be a quite profitable alternative in integrated pest management programs. But traditional IPM strategies are not enough in today's modern-day agriculture due to high rising world population. Therefore, along with the biocontrol, nanotechnology would provide a better option for sustainable management of insect pest. This chapter is focused on traditional strategies with entomopathogenic fungi and entomopathogenic nematodes that are used for the management of insect pests, their limitations, and potential of nanomaterials in improving its efficiency.