Effect of entomopathogenic fungi used in biological pest control on stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini): A systematics review

Nadia Nayeli Ramos Rosas, Beatriz del Socorro Bolívar Cimé, Daniel Arturo Rodríguez Lagunes, Miguel Ángel García Martínez, Sherell Zamora Juárez, Gabriela Iraís Salazar Rivera, Ángel Bravo Vinaja

Abstract


Background: Chemical pest control has proven effective but has also caused negative impacts on beneficial organisms such as bees. In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing safer biological control alternatives that support biodiversity conservation. Among these, entomopathogenic fungi (EF) have shown promise in pest management. However, their potential non-target effects on stingless bees—a group of ecologically, economically, and culturally important pollinators—remain underexplored. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the effects of EF-based biopesticides used in biological control on stingless bees. Methodology: Following the PRISMA guidelines, four key questions were addressed regarding the bee and fungal species evaluated, experimental conditions, and reported effects. Literature searches were conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Results: Out of 26 initial records, eight studies published between 2014 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria. These were conducted in Kenya, Brazil, and one in Mexico. A total of nine stingless bee species and three EF species were documented. Most bioassays were performed under laboratory conditions, with some in semi-field and field environments. Reported effects included increased mortality and behavioral alterations in bees. Implications: It is necessary to expand research to include the evaluation of whole bee colonies and their behavior. It is also important to assess the specific effects of commercial products on native bee species in the areas where the fungi will be applied, as there is significant variability in how different stingless bee species respond. Conclusion: Despite being the most diverse group of social bees in tropical and subtropical regions, stingless bees have received limited attention regarding the potential risks posed by entomopathogenic fungi used in biological control.  

Keywords


Biopesticides; native bees; mycopesticides; risk assessment

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References


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URN: http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v29i2.65716

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.6571

Copyright (c) 2026 Nadia Nayeli Ramos Rosas, Beatríz del Socorro Bolívar Cimé, Daniel Arturo Rodríguez Lagunes, Miguel Ángel García Martínez, Sherell Zamora Juárez, Gabriela Iraís Salazar Rivera, Ángel Bravo Vinaja

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