Advancing entomopathogenic fungi for improved management of Phthorimaea (Tuta) absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Abstract

Phthorimaea (Tuta) absoluta (Meyrick), a destructive pest of tomato, is currently mainly controlled using chemical insecticides. However, overdependence on chemical control induces resistance among P. absoluta populations and negatively impacts human health and the environment. Therefore, there is a need to adopt complementary pest control methods. Biological control of P. absoluta using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies incorporating entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) holds great promise for suppressing pest populations and reducing insecticide applications. In this review, we discuss the relevance of EPFs in controlling P. absoluta and highlight their value as an integral component of IPM programs. The review provides an overview of strategies to address the challenges that limit research, development, wide-scale commercialization, and adoption of EPFs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It also highlights technological advances that could improve the insecticidal activity of EPFs to harness their biocontrol potential fully. Further, the review recommends actionable measures for the broad and sustained application of EPFs as components of IPM programs for the control of P. absoluta.