Ascomycota and Integrated Pest Management

Abstract

Employing fungal pathogens to combat insect pests of agricultural importance has gained momentum due to its ecofriendly approach, availability and host specificity Successful future prospects include efficiency and improvements in the research methods, proper selection of strains, mass production. genetic manipur lations and other innovative techniques. Further aspects are the preparation of for mutations that will increase persistence, longer shelf life and case of application, pathogen virulence and spectrum of action. A description of Ascomycetes biology, taxonomic characters and mode of action is presented here with a focus on its role in Intergrated Pest Management strategies. Recent studies on genetic modifications for improving their virulence are also discussed.