entomopathogenic organisms for pest control in the mexican agriculture, livestock and forest sectors: a review

Abstract

Biological control, one of the methods of pest management compatible with the environment, offers benefits to the farmers' economy, environmental protection and consumer health. This is an updated review about the research that has been carried out on entomopathogenic organisms for pest control in the Mexican agriculture, livestock and forest sectors. There are several types of entomopathogenic organisms such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes and viruses used for this purpose. It is summarized the progress and research carried out in recent years as components of the integrated pest management strategies in crops, forests, urban habitats, medical and veterinary importance. It is worth highlighting the wide interest in research of entomopathogenic fungi -mainly Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae- in the agricultural sector, followed by their use in the livestock and lastly in the forestry sector. More research and applications should be done regarding entomopathogenic nematodes. Bacteria, as well as viruses, applied to combat pests have been explored very rarely. The main companies that commercialize products with these organisms in the country are also listed.