O USO DE FUNGOS ENTOMOPATOGÊNICOS NA PROMOÇÃO DO CRESCIMENTO DE PLANTAS

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.6031225230513

• Palavras-chave: Bioestimulantes, endofíticos, agricultura sustentável.

• Keywords: Biostimulants, endophytes, sustainable agriculture.

• Abstract: The scientific community has shown growing interest in the multiple functions of entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) in agricultural and forestry systems, extending beyond pest biological control. Microorganisms of the genera Beauveria spp. and Metarhizium spp. can endophytically colonize plant tissues, promoting plant growth and increasing resistance to insect pests and environmental stresses. This chapter aims to explore the potential of entomopathogenic fungi as dual agents, capable of simultaneously promoting plant growth and strengthening plants against biotic and abiotic stresses. To support this approach, a literature review was conducted using the Google Scholar database. The search employed the keywords “Fungi,” “Entomopathogenic,” and “Plant Growth Promotion” (based on article titles), prioritizing publications from the last 10 years and covering the categories “Entomology,” “Microbiology,” “Biotechnology Applied Microbiology,” and “Plant Sciences.” EPFs establish mutualistic relationships with plants, promoting vegetative vigor, nutritional efficiency, and greater stress tolerance, positioning them as crucial tools for sustainable agriculture and reducing dependence on chemical inputs. Despite their great potential in Brazil and adaptability to adverse conditions, the widespread adoption of these bioinoculants still faces challenges such as low persistence in tropical climates and complex interactions with agrochemicals, requiring formulation improvements and deeper ecological understanding. B. bassiana and M. anisopliae dominate the bioinput market, promoting growth and productivity in various crops such as maize, soybean, and coffee through the production of phytohormones and nutrient solubilization. These fungi offer economic and environmental benefits, including reduced fertilizer costs, protection against pests and diseases, and decreased chemical residues. Given the above, entomopathogenic fungi are multifunctional bioinoculants essential for sustainable agriculture, promoting plant growth and increasing plant resistance, although challenges such as low persistence require further research to optimize their use in modern systems.