Extracellular hydrolytic enzymes produced by entomopathogenic fungi--role in an infection process
Włóka, E.
Postepy Biochemii 57(1): 115-121
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-5422 PMID: 21735827 Document Number: 651789
Entomopathogenic fungi have a great potential in biological control of insect pest population. Fungal pathogens are promising source of insecticides and notable alterative to chemical pesticides. These fungi possess a unique mechanism of insects paralysis. As natural enemies of insects they attack direct host cuticle via a combination of mechanical pressure and cuticle-degrading enzymes. Entomopathogenic fungi produce several proteo-, chitino- and lipolytic enzymes, which are accepted as key factors in insect mycosis. The role of extracellular enzymes in pathogenesis is still not well understood. Profound understanding the mechanisms of insect paralysis by entomopathogenic fungi will help in the production of safer for environment and more efficiency mycoinsecticides.