Entomopathogenic fungi as endophytes: their broader contribution to IPM and crop production

Traditionally, the soil has been considered the main reservoir of entomopathogenic mitosporic ascomycetes (AMEs) together with the insect populations that they regulate, whereas mostly during the XXI century, the association of AMEs with the plants playing additional ecological roles, in the rhizosp...

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Published inBiocontrol science and technology Vol. 30; no. 9; pp. 864 - 877
Main Author Quesada Moraga, E.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Taylor & Francis 01.09.2020
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
abiotic stresses
Agricultural production
Agricultural research
Biological control
Biotic factors
Chewing
Crop production
disease control
Endophytes
Entomology
Entomopathogenic fungi
Fungi
Herbivores
Inoculum
Insects
Life cycles
Microorganism control agents
Microorganisms
Mitosporic ascomycetes
Pest control
Pests
Phylloplane
Plant diseases
Plant growth
Rhizosphere
seed dressing
systemic protection
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Summary:Traditionally, the soil has been considered the main reservoir of entomopathogenic mitosporic ascomycetes (AMEs) together with the insect populations that they regulate, whereas mostly during the XXI century, the association of AMEs with the plants playing additional ecological roles, in the rhizosphere, in phylloplane, and as plant endophytes has been highlighted. The endophytic behaviour of AMEs has modified the basis behind their use as biocontrol agents in agriculture providing new approaches and delivery methods to pest control and crop production. Several studies have focused on the use of fungal endophytic strains as microbial control agents for systemically protecting crops against cryptic pests, whose life cycle seriously limits the viability of chemicals and other control techniques. Noteworthy, endophytic EPF may allow not only the protection of the plant against boring, chewing and sucking pests, but they can improve the plant response to other biotic (i.e. plant diseases) and abiotic stresses (i.e. nutritional), with promotion of plant health and plant growth being also demonstrated. Contrary to traditional mycoinsecticides, the utilisation of AMEs as endophytes has the benefit of contacting the pest inside the plant at diminished application costs since little inoculum is required. Moreover, the endophytic fungal biocontrol agent is shielded within the plant from hindering abiotic and biotic factors that would restrict its utilisation as an epiphyte. The present work on broader contribution of AMEs to IPM has been carried out at least partially from the experience of the research group AGR 163 "Agricultural Entomology" of the University of Cordoba (Spain).
ISSN:0958-3157
1360-0478
DOI:10.1080/09583157.2020.1771279