Mycopesticides and its application in agriculture: An alternative to the growing concerns in the use of chemical pesticides

Abstract

The rise in global concern over the negative consequences of agrochemicals in agriculture cannot be overemphasized. Over-reliance on  chemical pesticides for pests control, is not without its accompanying side effects. Chemical pesticides are known to cause varying  degrees of health and environmental damages if not properly handled. These consequences can be indispensable with continuous use of  chemical pesticides in agriculture irrespective of how meticulous one is, since pesticides can migrate by air, soil, or water, outside of its  intended area of use, contaminating soil, air, and water, and causing significant damages to plant and human health. In recent times,  there is an increased emphasis on production of safe, nutritious and healthy foods. As such, research has been geared towards the use of  biological control measures that does not leave behind chemical residues. Mycopesticides or biological control fungus is one aspect of  biological control that has proven to be very effective in the control of pests. This article attempts to highlight some proven biological  control fungus such as Ampelomyces quisqualis, Trichoderma spp, Beauveria spp, Metarhiziumanisopliae, Verticillium spp etc., that have  been effectively utilized in control of pathogens, insects, and weeds in agriculture, and some advantages and disadvantages of biological  control fungus.