Interactions Between Parasitoids and Entomopathogenic Fungi: Approaches for Sustainable Agriculture

Fungi play a significant role in agroecosystems by directly or indirectly influencing parasitoid-host dynamics, thereby contributing to biological control. Some entomopathogenic fungi infect both host insects and parasitoids, reducing parasitoid survival rates, development processes, and overall efficiency. Other fungi can alter host physiology and immune systems, either enhancing or diminishing the success of parasitoid infection. These processes are crucial factors in determining the effectiveness of pest control and maintaining ecological balance. Understanding the interactions between fungi, parasitoids, and hosts is essential for improving biological control programs and developing sustainable pest management strategies. This review highlights the roles of some entomopathogenic fungal species associated with parasitoids in these multifaceted interactions and discusses their potential applications in integrated pest management.