11.3 Development of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Iran
Previous research activity on entomopathogenic fungi in Iran occurred 50 years ago,
mostly concerning bioassays of some insect fungi with different hosts. Since that
early work, more researchers and students have conducted studies on insect pathogenic fungi. But to date, except the introduction of different fungal strains. We still
cannot claim registration of any commercial product from native strains of
entomopathogenic fungi.
There are many reasons that have prevented the development of
entomopathogenic fungi products. Iran is a vast country with different types of
climate: wet and mild on the coast of the Caspian Sea, continental and arid in the
plateau, cold in high mountains, desert and hot on the southern coast and the
southeast. However, this climate variation can be a cause for genetic variation in
microorganisms, but because of lower humidity, the occurrence of naturally epidemic entomopathogenic fungi and their applied use is inhibited.
– Most regions of the country are sunny, especially from mid-spring, summer and
until mid-autumn. Also, ultraviolet radiation is high in most areas which situation
is destructive for fungal propagules.
– There is a perception among farmers that compared to conventional chemical
products, biologicals are not as fast acting, lose their effectiveness more rapidly,
have a narrower host spectrum and require more knowledge to use effectively
(St. Leger and Screen 2001).
– In a general view, few joint-type researches have been attended by a group of
entomologist, microbiologist and chemist to develop the entomopathogenic fungal products. In addition, the relationship between researchers and businesses has
been poor for commercialization of products.
11.4 Application of Entomopathogenic Fungi with Other
Natural Enemies
In most cases, successful biological control of sucking insect pests, especially in
greenhouses, needs the combined use of parasitoids, predators and/or fungal pathogens (Mesquita and Lacey 2001). In this complex, both deleterious and beneficial
aspects in host-natural enemies’ relation should be taken into account to recognize
the efficiency of biological control agents (Hochberg and Lawton 1990; Memmott
et al. 2000). Therefore, studies on their relationships can provide basic knowledge in
integrated pest management.
Overall, many studies have shown that EPFs with broad host ranges can interact
antagonistically with arthropod natural enemies either under environmental conditions that are optimal for the fungus or field condition. Laboratory studies often
accentuate the adverse effect of a fungus on a beneficial insect while in nature,
11 Fungal Entomopathogens of Order Hypocreales
447
Previous research activity on entomopathogenic fungi in Iran occurred 50 years ago,
mostly concerning bioassays of some insect fungi with different hosts. Since that
early work, more researchers and students have conducted studies on insect pathogenic fungi. But to date, except the introduction of different fungal strains. We still
cannot claim registration of any commercial product from native strains of
entomopathogenic fungi.
There are many reasons that have prevented the development of
entomopathogenic fungi products. Iran is a vast country with different types of
climate: wet and mild on the coast of the Caspian Sea, continental and arid in the
plateau, cold in high mountains, desert and hot on the southern coast and the
southeast. However, this climate variation can be a cause for genetic variation in
microorganisms, but because of lower humidity, the occurrence of naturally epidemic entomopathogenic fungi and their applied use is inhibited.
– Most regions of the country are sunny, especially from mid-spring, summer and
until mid-autumn. Also, ultraviolet radiation is high in most areas which situation
is destructive for fungal propagules.
– There is a perception among farmers that compared to conventional chemical
products, biologicals are not as fast acting, lose their effectiveness more rapidly,
have a narrower host spectrum and require more knowledge to use effectively
(St. Leger and Screen 2001).
– In a general view, few joint-type researches have been attended by a group of
entomologist, microbiologist and chemist to develop the entomopathogenic fungal products. In addition, the relationship between researchers and businesses has
been poor for commercialization of products.
11.4 Application of Entomopathogenic Fungi with Other
Natural Enemies
In most cases, successful biological control of sucking insect pests, especially in
greenhouses, needs the combined use of parasitoids, predators and/or fungal pathogens (Mesquita and Lacey 2001). In this complex, both deleterious and beneficial
aspects in host-natural enemies’ relation should be taken into account to recognize
the efficiency of biological control agents (Hochberg and Lawton 1990; Memmott
et al. 2000). Therefore, studies on their relationships can provide basic knowledge in
integrated pest management.
Overall, many studies have shown that EPFs with broad host ranges can interact
antagonistically with arthropod natural enemies either under environmental conditions that are optimal for the fungus or field condition. Laboratory studies often
accentuate the adverse effect of a fungus on a beneficial insect while in nature,
11 Fungal Entomopathogens of Order Hypocreales
447