Science AI Journal
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Research topic

Open research questions in Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control

192 gap statements mined from Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control papers in our 4.5M-paper local library, which holds 749 papers on the topic — drawn mostly from each paper's own stated research gap, future-work, challenge and limitation notes, and its abstract. The ones listed below are a selection still marked open; each names the study that raised it, with a DOI link where the paper has one.

Choosing where to publish on Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control? See the ranked Biology journals.

What the literature leaves open

  • There is a lack of understanding of the persistence of entomopathogenic fungi in soil after field application. The optimal concentration of the preparation for conidia application is unknown. The potential non-target effects of B. pseudobassiana on other taxonomic groups need to be assessed.

    Occurrence and persistence of entomopathogenic fungi in soil following experimental application of Beauveria pseudobassiana in oak forests infested by Corythucha arcuata · 2026 · DOI

  • The paper identifies a gap in the development of sustainable vector control methods, particularly the need for environmentally sound alternatives to chemical insecticides. There is a need to screen local fungal diversity for entomopathogenic fungi with high virulence against Cx.

    Screening and Comparative Efficacy of Indigenous Entomopathogenic Fungi from Forest Ecosystems Against Culex pipiens Biotype molestus Larvae: Identification of High-Virulence Isolates for Biocontrol Applications · 2026 · DOI

  • One of the challenges is the limited efficacy and specificity of biocontrol methods using antagonistic microbes. Another challenge is the potential for damage and high costs associated with physical methods. The paper also mentions the regulatory challenges and the need for innovative enhancement techniques to improve the biocontrol potential of antagonistic yeasts.

    Improving Biocontrol Potential of Antagonistic Yeasts Against Fungal Pathogen in Postharvest Fruits and Vegetables Through Application of Organic Enhancing Agents · 2025 · DOI

  • The lack of characterization of Oscheius species from Georgia hinders the understanding of their biocontrol potential. The study aims to fill this gap by providing a detailed characterization of Oscheius species from Georgia.

    Molecular and Morphological Characterization of the Entomopathogenic Nematode Oscheius cyrus (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) and Molecular Variability of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora from Georgia (Caucasus) · 2025 · DOI

  • The complexity of the genomes and the need for specialized software, such as antiSMASH, posed technical challenges.

    Whole-Genome Sequencing and Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Analysis of Novel Entomopathogenic Bacteria Xenorhabdus thailandensis ALN 7.1 and ALN 11.5 · 2025 · DOI

  • The study aims to address the lack of knowledge on the genomic features and biosynthetic potential of Xenorhabdus thailandensis. The research gap is the need for a comprehensive understanding of the secondary metabolite production potential of these bacteria.

    Whole-Genome Sequencing and Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Analysis of Novel Entomopathogenic Bacteria Xenorhabdus thailandensis ALN 7.1 and ALN 11.5 · 2025 · DOI

  • The need for sustainable and eco-friendly control alternatives to chemical pesticides. The lack of effective biopesticides against Megalurothrips usitatus.

    Three Different Biopesticides Against Megalurothrips usitatus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Their Toxicological and Biochemical Impacts · 2025 · DOI

  • The indirect effects of EPF colonization on herbivores via affecting plant defenses have gained increasing research attention. There is a need to understand how EPF treatment affects trophic interactions by altering volatile emissions in tomato plants.

    Entomopathogenic Fungus Treatment Affects Trophic Interactions by Altering Volatile Emissions in Tomato · 2025 · DOI

  • The large-scale spraying of chemical or fungal agents is not an optimal IPM strategy for managing B. rufimanus in faba beans. The need for more effective and sustainable pest management strategies. The challenge of minimizing spray drift and reducing the impact on non-target organisms and the environment.

    Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Bruchus rufimanus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Laboratory and Field Trials Using Dropleg Spraying Technique · 2025 · DOI

  • The lack of control over critical variables such as quantity, physiological state, age, and health of collected individuals. The potential for confounding factors such as bacteria, fungi, or nematodes in field-collected individuals.

    Overview and Recent Advances in Bioassays to Evaluate the Potential of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Ambrosia Beetles · 2025 · DOI

  • The lack of eco-friendly methods to control D. sylvestrella. The need to evaluate the virulence of different B. bassiana strains against D. sylvestrella larvae. The importance of understanding the effects of different strains on the redox system within the larvae of D. sylvestrella.

    Exploration of the Effects of Different Beauveria bassiana Strains on Dioryctria sylvestrella Larvae from the Perspective of Oxidative Stress · 2025 · DOI

  • Scaling production of these metabolites remains a challenge. Elucidating the biosynthetic pathways of these metabolites is necessary. Confirming the in vivo efficacy of these metabolites is required.

    Biological Evaluation and Potential Applications of Secondary Metabolites from Fungi Belonging to the Cordycipitaceae Family with a Focus on Parengyodontium spp. · 2025 · DOI

  • The lack of knowledge on the chemical diversity and biological activities of secondary metabolites produced by fungi belonging to the genus Parengyodontium. The need to integrate chemical, genomic, and metabolomic approaches to fully unlock the biotechnological potential of these fungi. The limited understanding of the biosynthetic pathways and ecological roles of these metabolites.

    Biological Evaluation and Potential Applications of Secondary Metabolites from Fungi Belonging to the Cordycipitaceae Family with a Focus on Parengyodontium spp. · 2025 · DOI

  • The biological roles of endobacteria in Metarhizium life cycles are unknown. The influence of endobacteria on Metarhizium's virulence has not been studied. The pangenome structure of B. subtilis 1E has not been investigated.

    Endobacteria Have a Negative Effect on the Virulence of Metarhizium · 2025 · DOI

  • The genome of Entomophthora muscae is poorly characterized. There is a lack of understanding of the genetic basis of host specialization in entomophthoralean fungi. The paper identifies a need for taxonomic revision within the E. muscae species complex.

    Signatures of transposon-mediated genome inflation, host specialization, and photoentrainment in Entomophthora muscae and allied entomophthoralean fungi · 2024 · DOI

  • Limited historical records of termite-pathogenic Ophiocordyceps. Difficulty in integrating phylogenetic data with key morphological traits for species delimitation.

    Untapped Diversity of Termite-Associated Ophiocordyceps and a New Species from China · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigate the effects of different strains on the redox system within the larvae of D.

    Exploration of the Effects of Different Beauveria bassiana Strains on Dioryctria sylvestrella Larvae from the Perspective of Oxidative Stress · 2025 · DOI

  • Is the microbiome associated with Metarhizium dependent on where it is isolated? Is there a specific association with a particular bacterium? Is there a particular mechanism for bacterial entry, as analyses of lipopeptides have previously suggested?

    Endobacteria Have a Negative Effect on the Virulence of Metarhizium · 2025 · DOI

  • Although the physicochemical properties of the soil were not determined in this study - The use of a substrate composed of humus-rich soil mixed with sand - The lack of significant differences between roots and stems, as well as among treatments within each…

    Molecular Characterization and Endophytic Colonization of a Native Beauveria bassiana Isolate in Maize: Effects on Plant Growth and Spodoptera frugiperda Herbivory · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies on the genetic variability of B. bassiana isolates - Investigation of the effects of B. bassiana on other crops - Research on the optimal application methods for B.

    Molecular Characterization and Endophytic Colonization of a Native Beauveria bassiana Isolate in Maize: Effects on Plant Growth and Spodoptera frugiperda Herbivory · 2026 · DOI

  • Small sample size, - Limited to open-field tomato experiments, - No bare soil and plant-free buffers were installed between plots, - Data collection was conducted in a single-blind manner, - The study only assessed the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes in combination with a few other…

    Efficacy of Foliar Applications of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in the Management of the Invasive Tomato Leaf Miner Phthorimaea absoluta Compared to Local Practices Under Open-Field Conditions · 2025 · DOI

  • Improving the efficacy of nature-based management options, - Investigating the use of entomopathogenic nematodes in combination with other treatments, - Assessing the long-term effects of using entomopathogenic nematodes, - Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of using entomopathogenic…

    Efficacy of Foliar Applications of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in the Management of the Invasive Tomato Leaf Miner Phthorimaea absoluta Compared to Local Practices Under Open-Field Conditions · 2025 · DOI

  • There is a need to move toward standardized protocols and more objective experimental models, - Field-based evaluations are needed to develop more realistic and effective application…

    Overview and Recent Advances in Bioassays to Evaluate the Potential of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Ambrosia Beetles · 2025 · DOI

  • Further research on M. anisopliae ICIPE 78 to validate its efficacy against S.

    Susceptibility of Spodoptera frugiperda to Commercial Entomopathogenic Fungi Formulations in South Africa · 2025 · DOI

  • Further study of the unique biology of entomophthoralean fungi, - Investigation of the role of Ty3 retrotransposon activity in genome evolution, - Analysis of the diversity of secreted catabolic enzymes in E. muscae, - Exploration of the potential for taxonomic revision within the E.

    Signatures of transposon-mediated genome inflation, host specialization, and photoentrainment in Entomophthora muscae and allied entomophthoralean fungi · 2024 · DOI

Most-cited papers in Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control

Most recent work

Find a gap in your own Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control sub-topic

This page shows what the Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control literature already flags as unresolved. To narrow it to your specific question, search the Research Gap Finder: the search is free with a free account and lists the papers closest to your topic first. Unlocking that topic (50 credits, charged once) fills the comparison table from our 4.5M-paper local library and writes the gaps from its rows.

Open the Research Gap Finder →

Related topics in Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
2,055 open questions
Smart Agriculture and AI
1,731 open questions
Plant-Microbe Interactions and Immunity
1,162 open questions
Plant Stress Responses and Tolerance
1,113 open questions
Plant Molecular Biology Research
1,056 open questions
Probiotics and Fermented Foods
865 open questions
Animal Nutrition and Physiology
753 open questions
Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions
711 open questions
Open questions raised by papers listed on this page include: (1) There is a lack of understanding of the persistence of entomopathogenic fungi in soil after field application (“Occurrence and persistence of entomopathogenic fungi in soil following…”, 2026); (2) There is a need to screen local fungal diversity for entomopathogenic fungi with high virulence against Cx (“Screening and Comparative Efficacy of Indigenous Entomopathogenic Fungi from…”, 2026); (3) The lack of characterization of Oscheius species from Georgia hinders the understanding of their biocontrol potential (“Molecular and Morphological Characterization of the Entomopathogenic Nematode…”, 2025); (4) The study aims to address the lack of knowledge on the genomic features and biosynthetic potential of Xenorhabdus thailandensis (“Whole-Genome Sequencing and Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Analysis of Novel…”, 2025); (5) The lack of effective biopesticides against Megalurothrips usitatus (“Three Different Biopesticides Against Megalurothrips usitatus (Thysanoptera:…”, 2025). 192 gap statements have been mined from Entomopathogenic Microorganisms in Pest Control papers in our 4.5M-paper local library, which holds 749 papers on the topic; the gaps come from whichever of those papers state one. They are mostly the research gaps the authors state and the papers' abstracts, plus future-work, limitations and challenges passages. The ones listed below are a selection still marked open; each names the study that raised it, with a DOI link where the paper has one, so you can read the original claim in context.

Tools for your next paper

Gaps & Literature SearchFind open questions in any field — 120,000+ open gaps mined from our own library.Pre-CheckIs your paper ready? Acceptance odds for top, mid and open/emerging journals, in seconds.Journal FinderA ranked shortlist of target journals from a 17,500-venue index.Duplicate Publication CheckerCheck for prior publication across 7 sources and our local library.Citation GeneratorFreeA DOI or title → APA, MLA, Vancouver, Chicago, BibTeX, RIS. No signup.Graphical Abstract MakerFreeTurn your findings into a colorblind-safe graphical abstract.

How Pre-Check worksHow AI Review works

Compare the category — Honest roundups of the AI research tools, ours listed alongside the alternatives.

Command palette

Jump anywhere, run any action.