Role of Microbial Biopesticides as an Alternative to Insecticides in Integrated Pest Management of Cotton Pests

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is the most produced natural fibre worldwide, and it contributes significantly to the economy of almost 80 cotton-producing countries. Given the high pest infestation, huge amounts of insecticides have been used in cotton production. However, this has resulted in the development of resistance from primary cotton pests and contamination of the environment. Furthermore, the reduction of beneficial insects and outbreaks of secondary pests have been observed. Many arthropod pests are associated with cotton, most of which belong to the orders Lepidoptera, Thysanoptera, and Hemiptera. Biocontrol agents play a critical role in preventing pests in most cotton-growing areas globally. Biological control of cotton pests forms part of integrated pest management as most of these pests have developed resistance against synthetic pesticides. This chapter focuses on the effects of some of the biopesticides, on cotton insect pests. It examines the control of cotton pests using microbial-based products Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus and Metarhizium rileyi. Furthermore, the chapter summarizes the application of microbial biopesticides as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using these biocontrol agents in agriculture.

Metarhizium rileyi with broad‐spectrum insecticidal ability confers resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests as a phytoendophyte

“…44 EPF has been found to exert direct control effects on various agricultural and forestry pests including S. litura, S. frugiperda, Anticarsia gemmatalis and Heliothis zea. 20,27,[45][46][47][48][49][50][51] However, M. rileyi was regarded as an entomopathogenic fungus with a narrow host range, which distinguishes it from the other Metarhizium species with broad host ranges. 52 There have been a few reports on the broad-spectrum control effects of M. rileyi against Asian corn borers and rice stem borers that cause huge damage to cereal crops, and aphids such as R. maidis and A. pisum that harm both cereal and vegetable crops.…”

Organic fertility management in cotton Gossypium hirsutum L. fosters arthropod biodiversity and complements pest suppression

“…Many previous studies have examined the impact of pathogens (Dannon et al., 2020) and microbial pesticides on regulating cotton pests (Malinga & Laing, 2022). Additionally, research has explored the socio‐economic and biophysical factors affecting the choice between organic and conventional farming for cotton production (Riar et al., 2017), as well as the role of cover crops in recruiting natural enemies and managing pests in cotton production systems (Bowers et al., 2020).…”