Entomopathogenic fungi hydrolytic enzymes: a new approach to biocontrol?

Abstract

Fungi are a significant part of the biopesticides market for the biological control of arthropods. Entomopathogenic fungi produce spores that can adhere to the cuticle of arthropods, germinate, penetrate the cuticle and cause infection. The process of penetration of the arthropod integument by the fungus occurs by the cuticle degradation due to the mechanical pressure of the hyphae associated with the action of several enzymes, mainly proteases and chitinases. The biocontrol activity of entomopathogenic fungi is widely known and studied, with several fungal isolates large-scale marketed for the control of arthropod pests. On the other hand, more recently a new approach to the use of entomopathogenic fungi is emerging: the study of the biocontrol potential of enzymes produced by these fungi. This article aims to discuss this new potential approach.