Entomopathogenic Fungi as Bioinsecticides
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Frontiers in Industrial Mycology
Publication Date
1-1-1992
First Page
144
Last Page
159
Abstract
As early as 900 A.D., it was known in the Orient that fungi could grow in insects (Steinhaus, 1975). The pioneering work of Bassi with Beauveria bassiana in silkworms in 1834 proved that fungi could actually cause infectious diseases in insects. From the 1880s through the early 1900s, the spectacular epizootics caused by entomopathogenic fungi—fungi-infecting insects—led to studies of their potential use for pest control. Interest in fungi as pest control agents waned, however, as chemical insecticides were used more frequently. More recently, owing to the myriad difficulties that have been gradually encountered in the development and use of chemical insecticides, the field of biological control has been undergoing a renaissance. In particular, our knowledge of entomopathogenic fungi is at present increasing rapidly.
Recommended Citation
Roberts, D.W. and A.E. Hajek. 1992. Entomopathogenic fungi as bioinsecticides. pp. 144-159. In: Frontiers in Industrial Mycology (G.F. Leatham, ed.), Chapman and Hall, New York.
