Advances in pest control technologies based on entomopathogenic fungi

Pests seriously threaten agriculture, forestry, industry, and public health. Traditional chemical pest control methods can quickly yield results in the short term. However, long-term use often leads to pest resistance and may harm the environment, non-target organisms, and human health. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs), which are green biological control resource, have drawn significant attention in the pest control field. They are environmentally friendly, and pests have a hard time developing resistance to them. This article comprehensively reviews the technological progress of using EPFs to control agricultural and forestry pests in recent years. It includes the combined use of EPFs with various substances and organisms, research on their endogenous effects, integration with nanotechnology, development and utilization of secondary metabolites, and innovation in formulation formulas. The aim of this review is to provide a thorough reference for further promoting and applying EPFs in sustainable pest management. This helps cut down on agricultural production’s dependence on chemical pesticides, mitigate the environmental pollution from pesticide use, and effectively boost pest control efficacy.