Selection of Endophytic Beauveria bassiana as a Dual Biocontrol Agent of Tomato Pathogens and Pests

Endophytic fungi (EF) can enhance both plant growth and defense barriers against pests and pathogens, contributing to the reduction of chemical pesticides and fertilizers use in agriculture. Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus showing endophytism in several crops, often associated with...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pathogens (Basel) 2021-09, Vol.10 (10), p.1242
Main Authors: Sinno, Martina, Ranesi, Marta, Di Lelio, Ilaria, Iacomino, Giuseppina, Becchimanzi, Andrea, Barra, Eleonora, Molisso, Donata, Pennacchio, Francesco, Digilio, Maria Cristina, Vitale, Stefania, Turrà, David, Harizanova, Vili, Lorito, Matteo, Woo, Sheridan Lois
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abiotic stress
Agricultural production
Agrochemicals
Alternaria alternata
Beauveria bassiana
beneficial microbes
Biological control
Botrytis cinerea
Chemical pest control
Disease control
Endophytes
Entomopathogenic fungi
Enzymes
Fertilizers
Fungi
Horticulture
Macrosiphum euphorbiae
Microorganisms
Nutrition
Pathogens
Pest control
Pesticides
Pests
Plant growth
Plant resistance
Solanum lycopersicum
Strains (organisms)
Tomatoes
Workflow
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Summary:Endophytic fungi (EF) can enhance both plant growth and defense barriers against pests and pathogens, contributing to the reduction of chemical pesticides and fertilizers use in agriculture. Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus showing endophytism in several crops, often associated with a good capacity to limit the development of pests and disease agents. However, the diversity of the protective efficacy and plant response to different strains can be remarkable and needs to be carefully assessed for the successful and predictable use of these beneficial microorganisms. This study aims to select B. bassiana strains able to colonize tomato plants as endophytes as well as to control two important disease agents, Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata, and the pest aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae. Nine wild-type isolates and one commercial strain were screened for endophytism, then further characterized for plant-growth promotion plus inhibition of disease development and pest infestation. Four isolates proved to have a good control activity against the biotic stressors tested, but only Bb716 was also able to promote plant growth. This work provides a simple workflow for the selection of beneficial EF, paving the way towards more effective use of B. bassiana in Integrate Pest Management (IPM) of tomato.
ISSN:2076-0817
2076-0817
DOI:10.3390/pathogens10101242