Multitrophic interactions of entomopathogenic fungi in BioControl

Abstract Biocontrol with hypocrealean entomopathogenic fungi (EF) is a key tool to develop Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for the progressive replacement of synthetic chemical insecticides more environmentally friendly pest control measures. These stand out among entomopathogens not only their contact mechanism infection through arthropod integument, but also developing close associations plants including endophytic lifestyle and rhizosphere competence that can enable them make broader contributions IPM crop production. Anyhow, interaction EF incorporates multitrophic complexity at different levels insect pests, plants, natural enemies. The aim present review was gather summarize all available data on interactions EF. influence both ecology host-plant selection by pests host or prey parasitoid predators, respectively. Moreover, treatments are compatible enemies in terms safety effectiveness, which could allow biocontrol strategies synergistic application programs. A comprehensive understanding impact these longer term, farm-level real-life implementation studies will provide new opportunities plant protection