Advances In The Soluble Tablet Formulation Of Metarhizium Anisopliae As A Mycoinsecticide: A Systematic Review Of Biotechnological Innovations In Biological Control Of Insects

Abstract

The systematic literature review investigates the advancements in Metarhizium anisopliae’s (M. anisopliae) soluble tablet formulations for enhanced biocontrol applications. This review consolidates research from 2022 to 2025, focusing on improving the stability, efficacy, and field performance of M. anisopliae formulations. A systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, with articles retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using Boolean operators. Inclusion criteria were applied to studies that specifically addressed M. anisopliae soluble tablet formulations, evaluating their stability, application efficiency, and field performance. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was utilized to assess the quality of studies and minimize potential biases. The review reveals that soluble tablet formulations significantly enhance conidial stability, ensure prolonged viability under extreme environmental conditions, and improve application efficiency. Key advancements include using biopolymer matrices, such as chitosan and alginate, which provide protective coatings that extend the shelf life and ensure controlled spore release. Additionally, formulations incorporating oil-in-glycerol systems have successfully improved thermal stability, preventing conidial degradation at high temperatures. However, challenges in large-scale production and cost optimization remain, which hinder widespread adoption. The review emphasizes the need for further research into improving production techniques and standardizing formulations for greater commercial feasibility. This study supports the integration of M. anisopliae soluble tablets into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems as a promising alternative to traditional biopesticides, addressing issues related to shelf life, ease of use, and environmental adaptability. Future research should focus on optimizing large-scale production, evaluating long-term field performance, and exploring cost-effective production methods to ensure sustainability in agricultural pest control.