Biological control and insect pathology

Agro-forestry intensification is one of the main drivers of the global biodiversity crisis and decline in arthropods and particularly insects [1,2]. In addition, an impressive amount of research has been published regarding the detrimental effects of pesticides, which was the main approach developed for pest control in the previous century, but which has been progressively replaced by the use of Biological Control Agents (BCAs) and biopesticides to provide satisfactory pest management [3,4,5]. Microbial control is a growing sector within the framework of biological control and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Methods need to be developed to avoid the widespread use of insecticides and to minimize effects on nontarget organisms. Studies collected in this Special Issue cover the use of biological control agents and entomopathogens, focusing on the fields of insect pathology and biological control and providing an update to the current EU Biological Control Panel (EPPO).