Current Status and Case Studies on the Role of Endophytes in Insect Pest Management: A Review

Abstract

Endophytes, comprising diverse groups of bacteria and fungi that reside asymptomatically within plant tissues, have emerged as promising biological agents in sustainable insect pest management. These microorganisms establish mutualistic associations with host plants and confer protection against insect pests through multiple direct and indirect mechanisms. Recent advances in microbial ecology, molecular biology and biotechnology have significantly improved our understanding of endophyte-mediated resistance. Endophytic fungi, particularly entomopathogenic species, play a dual role by colonizing plant tissues and simultaneously acting against herbivorous insects. Their ability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites, induce systemic resistance and enhance plant fitness makes them a viable alternative to synthetic pesticides. Numerous laboratory and field-based case studies have demonstrated their efficacy against a wide range of insect pests including aphids, borers, caterpillars and beetles. However, challenges such as inconsistent colonization, environmental variability, and limited commercialization still hinder their large-scale application. This review highlights the current status, mechanisms, and case studies of endophytes in insect pest management, emphasizing their potential integration into modern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.