Optimizing wheat seed treatment with entomopathogenic fungi for improving plant growth at early development stages

Aim of study: Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are biocontrol agents, plant growth promoters, and increase tolerance to biotic-abiotic stresses. In this study we investigated the factors associated application method, which crucial for interaction between fungus host at initial crop stages. Area The was performed in Cordoba (Spain) Material methods: Three experiments were investigate: (i) effect different concentrations surfactant Tween® 80 (0, 0.5, 1, 5, 10%) on wheat seed coating with conidia Metarhizium brunneum viability; (ii) performance seedlings first stages after their inoculation Beauveria bassiana or M. via soil drenching; (iii) role sterilization disinfection leaf concentration chlorophyll (SPAD) B. colonization. Main results: linearly improved (up 127%) without altering seeds fungal germination. Seedling length inoculated plants significantly increased (67% 46%, respectively) coating. Seed key achieve an enhancement SPAD (10-18%) concerning Control, that combined showed highest endophyte colonization rates 83.3% both fungi) Research highlights: concentration, disinfection, parameters improve potential benefits EPF-plant relationship.