Lecanicillium aphanocladii: a biocontrol agent against insect pests and phytopathogens

Fungi in the genus Lecanicillium include a group of important entomopathogenic species affecting insect pests and phytopathogens. Lecanicillium aphanocladii, one of 21 recognised Lecanicillium species, has been recently reported as a potential biocontrol agent in agricultural and forestry ecosystems with more than 95 L. aphanocladii strains having been recorded globally. Lecanicillium aphanocladii is a cosmopolitan fungus capable of infecting a broad range of insects, plants and other fungal species. As interest grows in alternative environmentally sustainable insect and plant disease control tools, L. aphanocladii appears to be a promising biocontrol option for the agricultural industry. In this review, we highlight recent research findings on the potential of L. aphanocladii against insect pests and we provide insights into possible modes of action. Additionally, we review the parasitic nature of L. aphanocladii against plant diseases.