Entomopathogenic Fungi in Insects: From Physiological Effects to Applications

Entomopathogenic Fungi in Insects: From Physiological Effects to Applications explores the complex relationships between entomopathogenic fungi and insects. This interdisciplinary book delves into the physiological, immunological, and behavioral responses elicited by fungi in insects, offering insights for sustainable development. It assesses the potential applications of these fungi as biopesticides against harmful insects while considering their impact on non-target populations. This comprehensive work is invaluable for researchers and professionals in agroecosystems, insect pathology, biocontrol, plant protection, and crop health, as well as graduate students focused on sustainability.

In addition, the book examines the mutualistic roles fungi can play in insect physiology, such as aiding in digestion. These fungi, prevalent in insect habitats, can serve as microbial pest control agents by infecting and weakening insect hosts. The book emphasizes the importance of mitigating potential harm to non-target insect populations, ensuring a balanced approach to biocontrol in agricultural practices.

• Explores entomopathogenic diversity and how it can be utilized for insect pest control in agroecosystems
• Provides the latest findings on insect immune and behavioral responses towards entomopathogenic fungi
• Highlights the potential effects of entomopathogenic fungi on non-target species, including beneficial insects

Prof. Arash Zibaee holds a Ph.D. in insect biochemistry and physiology from the University of Tehran in 2010. Also, he had an intensive course in invertebrate immunology at University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy) under supervision of Prof. Davide Malagoli on histology and genomics of immune-related genes. He is currently an Associate Professor of insect physiology at University of Guilan and works on insect digestion through purification and genetically characterization of digestive enzymes, insect cellular and humeral responses and effects of environmental factors on these physiological systems. Prof. Zibaee has several peer-reviewed papers in well-known international journals and serves as associate editor in the journals of invertebrate physiology and plant protection. Also, he is a member of entomological society of America and entomological society of Republic of Korea.

Prof. Davide Malagoli has a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology and was previously a researcher for the Comparative and Molecular Immunology Lab (Department of Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy). He is presently an Associate Professor of Comparative Anatomy at the Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy). His current research focus is on mechanisms and evolution of the immune and stress response as well as the basis of cell death in invertebrates. Dr. Malagoli is a member of the Italian Association of the Developmental and Comparative Immunology and the International Association of the Developmental and Comparative Immunology and is an invited speaker in national and international meetings focused on Comparative Immunology themes. He has also written numerous articles and reviews on Comparative Immunology themes and edited numerous books on the subject.

Prof. Ivan Dubovskiy received his Ph.D. in Entomology from the Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals in 2004. He continued at the same University, working as researcher at the Laboratory of Insect Pathology, for many years. He then went on to receive his D.Sc. for his work as Head of Laboratory of Biological Plant Protection and Biotechnology at Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, where he continues his work today. Prof. Dubovskiy has published over 60 articles and serves on the editorial board of various international journals.