Conservation biological control using fungal entomopathogens

Conservation biological control relies on modification of the environment or management practices to protect and encourage natural enemies that are already present within the system, thereby enhancing and improving their ability to control pest populations in a reliable way. Such strategies are only possible when based on a strong understanding of the ecology of the species concerned at the individual, community and landscape scale. Conservation biological control with entomopathogenic fungi includes the manipulation of both the crop environment and also habitats outside the crop. Further investment in conservation biological control with entomopathogenic fungi could make a substantial contribution to sustainable crop production either as stand alone strategies or, more importantly, in support of other biological and integrated pest management strategies.