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

ABSTRACT

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).

KEYWORDS:

• Mitosporic ascomycetes
• plant growth
• systemic protection
• disease control
• seed dressing
• abiotic stresses

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness project AGL2016-80483-R. The author sincerely thanks and tribute to the research group AGR 163 “Agricultural Entomology” of the University of Cordoba (Spain).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad [grant number Project AGL2016-80483-R1].