An immunological axis of biological control: microbial infections in field-caught insects

摘要

Many species of naturally occurring entomopathogenic microbes are virulent insect pathogens, including viruses, fungi and bacteria. Some of these disease organisms serve as important natural regulators of insect populations by invading insect bodies,often by way of the alimentary canal. Appreciation of insect diseases and the possibilities of using insect disease agents in biological control programs have a long history. Commercially useful microbial pathogens include viruses, fungi, bacteria, protozoans and nematodes, all deployed as agents in biological control of insect pests, weeds and plant diseases.