Effect of passage through the plant on virulence and endophytic behavioural adaptation in the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana

Systemic crop protection using endophytic isolates of entomopathogenic fungi is at the forefront IPM. Nonetheless, any potential trade-offs between virulence and behaviour must be elucidated if they are to effectively used in pest management strategies. Here we investigated adaptation an isolate Beauveria bassiana following successive passage through melon, tomato cotton tissues. Plants were sprayed with a suspension B. EABb 04/01-Tip initiate colonization. Once colonization was established, fungus re-isolated from plant, applied another plant again; this repeated achieve three passages. After each passage, conidial bioassays evaluate both against 4th instar larvae model insect Galleria mellonella quantify extent activity respective host species. When leaves inspected for fungal colonization, differences percentage tissue amongst species detected after first re-isolation. Endophytic rates melon tomato, which varied 70 100%, higher than those observed cotton, ranged 40 50%; increased 75–100% third passage. This improvement apparently suboptimal suggests evolutionary localized or transient while further assays needed. Meanwhile, when non-sprayed distant ones investigated, evident all suggesting that movement within plants systemic. The present research highlights crops less suitable Furthermore, demonstrated stability multiple passages plants. key result development IPM strategies based on fungi.