Inoculation of cucumber plants with Beauveria bassiana enhances resistance to Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and increases aphid susceptibility to pirimicarb

The entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) can colonize plants endophytically and stimulate the production of secondary plant metabolites with anti-herbivore activities. We assayed topical virulence B. to Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), effects cucumber inoculation this fungus on metabolites, physiological consequences for aphids that fed these plants. Assays were conducted both commercial formulation bassiana, 'Naturalis®-L', at recommended concentration 1.5 ml / L (yielding a spore 2.3 × 107 CFU per ml), similar isolated fungal strain. Topical application 0.03 solution cm2, or 1 103 CFU, caused 100% mortality A. adults after seven days, whether Naturalis®-L isolate alone was used. grew into foliage when sprayed cucumbers 2-leaf stage concentrations alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, hydrogen peroxide, total chlorophyll higher than in control 28 days inoculation. Malondialdehyde content, growth, yield unaffected by Aphids bassiana-inoculated 24 h had reduced activities detoxifying enzymes (glutathione-S-transferase, carboxylesterase, acetylcholinesterase) compared controls. Activities digestive enzymes, (lipase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, aminopeptidase) from inoculated plants, which exhibited superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, phenoloxidase, but lower catalase activity. Energy reserves (lipids, protein, glycogen) they fecundity, longevity, reproductive periods, 50% reduction LC50 pirimicarb. Thus, addition causing direct pathogenicity, negatively impacted physiology performance could usefully complement other strategies managing cotton greenhouse cucumber.