Can we use entomopathogenic fungi as endophytes for dual biological control of insect pests and plant pathogens?

In addition to their promising dual biocontrol potential against insect pests and plant diseases, fungal entomopathogens as endophytes may also offer protection against cryptic pests (e.g., insect borers) that would otherwise be difficult to control by topical application (Jaronski, 2010).

Which is called as entomopathogenic fungi?

A group of fungi that kill an insect by attacking and infecting its insect host is called entomopathogenic fungi. Entomopathogenic fungi is identified as a promising biocontrol agent in the regulation of insect pest population without harming the non-target insects.

How do you identify endophytic fungi?

According to classical mycology, most species of endophytic fungi have been described based on their morphological features such as ascospore and peridium morphology, gleba colour, odour, and other organoleptic characteristics [23]. However, these fungi were difficult to identify at the species level.

Which are commonly used entomopathogenic fungi?

Many common and/or important entomopathogenic fungi are in the order Hypocreales of the Ascomycota: the asexual (anamorph) phases Beauveria, Isaria (was Paecilomyces), Hirsutella, Metarhizium, Nomuraea and the sexual (teleomorph) state Cordyceps; others (Entomophthora, Zoophthora, Pandora, Entomophaga) belong in the …

How does entomopathogenic fungi work?

In response, entomopathogenic fungi must breach the cuticle, detoxify host and/or endogenous microbial defenses, evade grooming and other behavioral responses, and potentially suppress other pathogens and parasites.

What is Entomophagous fungus?

Entomophagous fungi are opportunistic or- ganisms that parasitize insects. These fungi were. originally scientific curiosities , and investiga- tions were largely limited to laboratory study.

Where are endophytic fungi found?

Endophytic fungi live inside of plant tissues but don’t cause any disease symptoms. They are found in all plant species including deciduous trees, shrubs, marine algae, mosses, lichens, ferns, grasses and palms.

Where are entomopathogenic fungi found?

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are bioinsecticides with an ability to infect and kill arthropods. Although they are mainly isolated from arthropod carcasses, their natural habitat is soil (Behie and Bidochka 2014).

How are fungi used to control pests?

Fungi that infect insects are found in the environment as spores. Once inside, the fungus grows throughout the body of the insect. Many fungi also produce toxins in the host that increase the speed of kill or prevent competition from other microbes.

What do endophytic fungi do?

Endophytic fungi inhabit plant tissues without destroying or producing substances that cause an infection to the host cell. Their coevolution means that the endophytes produce the same or similar compounds to those originating from the plant.