Fungal endophytes: A study on molecular taxonomy, nanoformulation, biophysical characterization and entomopathogenicity against insect pests of tropical timber trees In India

Forest cover of India aims to increase thirty three per cent by 2030 through planting trees outside forests boundaries, cultivating and breeding in private farmer’s wastelands. Despite efforts to boost greenery, approximately one million hectares of forest area are lost annually to insect pests, underscoring the need for effective pest management. Synthetic organic insecticides are widely used, with India accounting for 3 % of global pesticide usage, leading to environmental and health concerns. To address this, ecologically sound pest management strategies are imperative. Biological control, particularly using microorganisms, offers a promising approach. Endophytic fungi, found in commercially important tree species like Teak, Ailanthus, Red Sanders, and Gmelina, show potential for insect pest management. In this study, 112 endophytic fungi were isolated, with eight common across all species. Fourteen species, identified through molecular taxonomy, exhibit entomopathogenic properties, paving the way for the development of novel biopesticides.