Delivery and effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi for mosquito and tick control: Current knowledge and research challenges

Insects, ticks, and mites represent a threat to animal health globally, mainly due to their role as vectors of pathogens. Among the most important diseases, those transmitted by mosquitoes (e.g., malaria and arboviral infections) and ticks (e.g., Lyme borreliosis, babesiosis, and viral haemorrhagic fever) have a huge impact on human health. The principal methods available for reducing the public health burden of most vector-borne diseases are vector-based intervention relying to insecticides and acaricides. However, the use of these products is challenged by the introduction of invasive species, the quick development of physiological insecticide and acaricide resistance, and their non-target effects on human health and environment. In this scenario, insecticide/acaricide-free control approaches based on the employment of entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) are currently considered a promising tool in Integrated Pest/Vector Management, even if their large-scale use is still limited. In this article, we provide an overview on current knowledge about the role of EPFs for mosquito and tick management to assess solutions improving the delivery and efficacy of EPFs in the field. Laboratory research provided solid evidence that EPFs represent a next-generation control tool to manage mosquito and tick populations. However, the viability, infectivity, and persistence of fungal spores under field conditions are still inadequate. Herein we also discuss the development and optimization of EPF-based lure and kill approaches through biopolymers to improve cost-competitive, safety and eco-friendly pest and vector control tools.