Microbial control of forest insect pests over 60 years (1964–2024): Network analysis and bibliometric mapping

Microbial control of forest insects has emerged as a viable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides, providing sustainable strategies for managing forest pest populations. This bibliometric analysis examines the progression of research in this domain from 1964 to 2024, emphasizing the application of entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes as biological control agents. VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and Biblioshiny from R were employed for statistical analysis of the articles retrieved from the Scopus database. The research indicates a substantial rise in articles concerning microbial control during the early 2000s, underscoring an increasing awareness of its potential in forest management. Prominent biocontrol agents, including Beauveria bassiana , Metarhizium anisopliae , and Bacillus thuringiensis , have been recognized for their efficacy in managing diverse forest pests, such as the gypsy moth ( Lymantria dispar ), bark beetles, and defoliators. The research highlights the increasing significance of microbial agents in minimizing pest outbreaks intensified by climate change, invading species, and the constraints of chemical pesticides. Notwithstanding the optimistic outlook, the study also delineates additional challenges, such as ecological hazards, variable efficacy across different climatic conditions, regulatory obstacles, and the absence of long-term field data. These problems underscore the necessity for more studies to enhance the use of microbial management in forest ecosystems, ensuring its efficacy and safety. This research offers a thorough examination of the present condition of microbial control in forest pest management, highlighting the necessity of creating dependable, environmentally sustainable alternatives to maintain forest health and biodiversity amid increasing environmental challenges. • Analyzed publication trends in microbial control of forest insects from 1964 to 2024 using Scopus data. • A total of 999 relevant publications were retrieved and analyzed for bibliometric insights. • Used VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and Biblioshiny tools in R for statistical analysis of the data. • Evaluated annual growth, key institutions, authors, and country-wise scientific productivity. • Studied collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence, thematic maps, and trend topics.