THE IMPACT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY ON HYPHOMYCETOUS FUNGAL INSECT BIOCONTROLAGENTS

The potential for the control of insect pests by entomopathogenic fung i has been touted for decades, if not centuries. Only recently have ad vances in biotechnology provided the tools for indepth analysis of the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis and host death at the molecular l evel. This review outlines the current state of knowledge regarding th e mode of infection and targets several key components that are amenab le to improvement via biotechonology. Realization of the considerable economic potential of fungal bioinsecticides can occur only through a combined and coordinated effort involving fundamental science, formula tion technology and field applications.