Blastospores of Entomopathogenic Fungi Emerge as the Promising Active Ingredients in Biocontrol Agents: Progressive View on Its Industrial Production and Biogenesis Mechanisms

ABSTRACT: Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have been employed worldwide in biological control programs due to their natural abilities to control the host populations. In these applications, aerial conidia are the widely used active ingredients of products. EPF produces yeast-like blastospores not only in the host hemocoel but also in artificial liquid media in large quantities. Here, we review advances in biogenesis mechanisms and the application of blastospore, an emerging, promising active ingredient in biocontrol agents, attributed to recent molecular advances and formulation improvements. Molecular advances in blastospore biogenesis offer opportunities to increase fungal virulence and reduce production costs through genetic modification. Many efforts/techniques have been utilized to improve the blastospore viability and stability in final products; however, more investigations are highly desirable in exploring the mechanisms underlying fungal adaptation to abiotic stresses during formulation preparation and storage. Future perspectives in the exploration of molecular mechanisms are suggested as well as the strategies for formulation development.