Bioformulations in Pest Control – A Review

Biotic and abiotic factors limit the action of entomopathogens and interfer for reaching the expected results. Moreover, the requirement of import and export markets for good quality foods with low content of toxic waste has increased. In this sense, new organic products have been developed in order to improve the stability, virulence and efficacy of entomopathogenic agent in the field. The aim of this paper is to report on the use of formulations with entomopathogenic fungi to control pests. About 12 species or varieties of fungi have been used as active ingredients in formulations of mycopesticides. A formulation can be defined as the combination of an active ingredient (such as entomopathogen), an inert carrier and an adjuvant which will improve the performance of the product, and also will be ease for handling and application. The Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana are the most used fungi in formulations worldwide. The synergistic effect of fungal interactions with the phytosanitary product has attracted the attention of several researchers due to their potential to cause high mortality of the target insect, becoming a tool for deployment in integrated pest management.