Exploring the Journey of Research on Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) in Insect Pest Management through Bibliometric Analysis: A Detailed Study

The current population explosion necessitates immediate attention and action globally. Chemical pesticides have long been the primary means of pest control, offering both advantages and disadvantages. Considering recent concerns about environmental degradation, damage to non-target species, and the evolution of pesticide-resistant pests, sustainable and environmentally friendly techniques for pest management have assumed greater relevance. In this context, biopesticides have emerged as a viable, ecologically responsible alternative to pesticides. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) based biopesticides are renowned for their adaptability, as they can be used in a variety of agricultural systems and integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, this article aims to achieve the following objectives in the field of EPF-based pest management: identifying the key authors, institutions, and countries that have made significant contributions to the field; analysing the trends in publication output and citation impact; and bridging the gap between the essential aspects of EPF research. To better understand the potential of EPF as a cornerstone in environmentally friendly pest control, the current study was conducted. This detailed analysis provides a comprehensive picture of the current state of research in EPFs for managing insect pests, which will ultimately inspire interdisciplinary collaboration.