Review on safety of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae

The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin is widely used for biocontrol of pest insects, and many commercial products are on the market or under development. The aim of this review is to summarise all relevant safety data of this fungus, which are necessary for the commercialisation and registration process. The review contains the following sections: (1) identity, (2) biological properties (history, natural occurrence and geographical distribution, host range, mode of action, production of metabolites/toxins, effect of environmental factors), (3) methods to determine and quantify residues, (4) fate and behaviour in the environment (mobility and persistence in air, water and soil), (5) effects on non-target organisms (microorganisms, plants, soil organisms, aquatic organisms, predators, parasitoids, honey bees, earth worms, etc.), (6) effects on vertebrates (fish, amphibia, reptiles, and birds), and (7) effects on mammals and human health (allergy, pathogenicity/toxicity). On the basis of the presented knowledge, M. anisopliae is considered to be safe with minimal risks to vertebrates, humans and the environment.