Entomopathogenic Fungi as Alternatives to Chemical Acaricides: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects for Sustainable Tick Control.
Mahvish Rajput, Muhammad Sohail Sajid, Nasir Ahmed Rajput, David Robert George, Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Zeeshan, Owais Iqbal, Bachal Bhutto, Muhammad Atiq, Hafiz Muhammad Rizwan, Ian Kirimi Daniel, Olivier Andre Sparagano
Author Information
Mahvish Rajput: Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan. ORCID
Muhammad Sohail Sajid: Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan. ORCID
Nasir Ahmed Rajput: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan. ORCID
David Robert George: Reader in Precision Agronomy, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK. ORCID
Muhammad Usman: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan. ORCID
Muhammad Zeeshan: Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan. ORCID
Owais Iqbal: State Key Laboratory for Conversation and Utilization of Bio-Resource in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650000, China. ORCID
Bachal Bhutto: Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam 70060, Pakistan.
Muhammad Atiq: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan. ORCID
Hafiz Muhammad Rizwan: Section of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, KBCMA College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Narowal, Sub Campus UVAS, Lahore 54000, Pakistan. ORCID
Ian Kirimi Daniel: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. ORCID
Olivier Andre Sparagano: UK Management College, College House Campus, Stanley St., Openshaw, Manchester M11 1LE, UK. ORCID
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) can infect and kill a diverse range of arthropods, including ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) that can transmit various diseases to animals and humans. Consequently, the use of EPFs as a biocontrol method for managing tick populations has been explored as an alternative to chemical acaricides, which may have harmful effects on the environment and non-target species. This review summarizes studies conducted on EPFs for tick control between 1998 and 2024, identifying 9 different EPF species that have been used against 15 different species of ticks. One of the most well-known and widely researched EPFs used against ticks is , a fungus known for its ability to infect and kill various arthropods. When applied to tick-infested areas, spores attach to the tick's cuticle, germinate, and penetrate through the cuticle, leading to the eventual death of the tick due to the fungal infection. Whilst a number of studies support the potential of this and other EPF species against ticks, this review suggests that limitations to their effective use may include factors such as heat, humidity, and ultraviolet light (UV-A and UV-B). This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the literature on the potential of EPFs in tick control, focusing on their mode of action, previous field successes/failures, advantages, potential applications, and prospects for future practical developments.
