Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research

Author:Shuchen Chang*、Chungchieh Lee、Mingyao Chiang

Abstract:

Pathogenic microorganisms play a crucial role in agricultural pest management by suppressing pest populations through parasitism, infection, or toxin production. These microorganisms offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, contributing to integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Insect-pathogenic microorganisms have been extensively studied and widely applied in biological control. These include bacterial pathogens such as Bacillus thuringiensis, entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) like Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Cordyceps javanica, as well as insect-pathogenic viruses such as nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV). Due to their high specificity towards insect pests, environmental compatibility, and potential to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, these microbial agents have become an integral part of IPM strategies. In recent years, advancements in genomics and biotechnology have significantly accelerated the selection of highly effective pathogenic strains and the elucidation of their virulence mechanisms. Whole-genome sequencing and transcriptomic analyses have facilitated the precise identification of key genes involved in pathogenicity, enabling further exploration of toxin production, parasitic capabilities, and host adaptability. Additionally, studies on specific enzymes, such as chitinases and proteases, as well as secondary metabolites like fungal toxins and bacterial exoproteins, have contributed to enhancing the infection efficiency and insecticidal activity of these microorganisms, expanding their application potential. Despite the numerous advantages of microbial control, including environmental safety, high specificity, and minimal residue concerns, several challenges remain in practical applications. These include the environmental adaptability of microbial agents, 
the evolution of host resistance, and issues related to formulation stability and field efficacy. Overall, microbial control technologies play a vital role in modern agriculture. With continuous advancements in biotechnology and the development of novel application strategies, these technologies are expected to become a cornerstone of pest management, promoting sustainable agriculture and global food security.

Key words:Entomopathogens, Microbial pesticides, Bacteria, Fungi, Viruses

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