Harnessing Entomopathogenic Fungi for Sustainable Management of Sucking Insect Pests in Rice Ecosystems

Abstract

Rice production is increasingly challenged by sucking insect pests, particularly the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera), green leafhoppers (Nephotettix spp.) and rice bugs (Leptocorisa spp.). This review evaluates entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) as biological tools for their sustainable management, focusing on fungal diversity, taxonomy, infection biology, pest-specific efficacy, environmental determinants, integration into IPM, commercialisation and emerging technologies. Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are the most extensively investigated and commercially developed EPF, while Cordyceps fumosorosea and Lecanicillium lecanii also show potential against sap-feeding pests. EPF infect insects directly through the cuticle via conidial adhesion, germination, enzymatic penetration, haemocoel colonisation, immune disruption and secondary metabolite activity. Laboratory and greenhouse studies frequently report strong pathogenicity, whereas field performance is less consistent because it depends on fungal isolate, formulation, temperature, relative humidity, ultraviolet exposure, application timing and pest density. Endophytic establishment, granular and protective formulations, climate-resilient isolates, genomic approaches and precision deployment may improve persistence and efficacy. Wider adoption will require standardised field validation, locally adapted isolate selection, compatible integration with natural enemies and selective pest-management tactics, and practical production, storage and regulatory frameworks. Overall, EPF are best positioned as complementary components of integrated rice pest management rather than stand-alone replacements for conventional control.