Among the non-chemical insect control methods, biological control is one of the most effective human and environmentally friendly alternatives. One of the main biological control methods is the application of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). Today, biological crop protection with EPF plays a key role in projects for the sustainable management of insect pests. EPF have several advantages over conventional insecticides, including cost-effectiveness, high yield, absence of harmful side-effects for beneficial organisms, fewer chemical residues in the environment and increased biodiversity in ecosystems. Apart from direct application as contact bioinsecticides, EPF are able to colonize plants as endophytes acting not only as pest and disease control agents but also as plant growth promoters. The present paper presents an outline of the biocontrol potential of several EPF, which could be harnessed for the development of new integrated pest Management (IPM) strategies. Emphasis is given on benefits of endophytic EPF, on issues for practical application and in fields in need of further research. Our findings are discussed in the context of highlighting the value of entomopathogenic fungal endophytes as an integral part of pest management programs for the optimization of crop production.

Various endophytic fungi of native plants and crops are important entomopathogens. The objective of this study was to investigate the entomopathogenic action of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, Metarhizium robertsii (Metchnikoff) Sorokin, and Isaria fumosorosea (Wize) Brown & Smith (all Ascomycota: Hypocreales) against larvae of Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefebvre) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) artificially introduced into Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench) (Poaceae) plants under natural environmental conditions. Sorghum bicolor is an economically important crop cultivated for grain, fiber, forage, and lately for biofuel, and S. nonagrioides is its main pest in Mediterranean areas. Young sorghum plants were inoculated with the entomopathogens by spraying in the field. Plant water status, chlorophyll concentration, photosynthesis, and transpiration were not affected. Thirty days after endophyte establishment, plants were infested with fourth instars of S. nonagrioides. The endophytes prevented 50–70% of larvae from entering stalks. Larval mortality was 70–100% and tunnel lengths were reduced by 60–87%. Larval infestation resulted in reduced electron transport capacity and net photosynthetic rate, which was ameliorated in the presence of I. fumosorosea and reversed by B. bassiana and M. robertsii. The growth of sorghum was unaffected in all treatments during the experimental period. Beauveria bassiana and M. robertsii can protect sweet sorghum from damage induced by S. nonagrioides under natural environmental conditions without affecting plant physiology and growth.

Entomopathogenic fungi are a special group of soil-dwelling microorganisms that infects and kills insects and other arthropods through cuticle penetration. They are currently used as biocontrol agents against insect plant pests and play a vital role in their management. Regardless that entomopathogenic fungi are currently on the agriculture market, their full potential has not yet been utterly explored. Up to date substantial research has covered the topic revealing numerous uses in pest management but also on their ability as endophytes, assisting the plant host on growth and pathogen resistance. This article addresses the literature on entomopathogenic fungi through the years, noting their mode of action, advantages, potential applications, and prospects.

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The common grape vine, Vitis vinifera, is a widely known plant with commercial and pharmacological value. The plant hosts a variety of microorganisms known as endophytes that can live within the tissues of the plant for a considerable time period, or even their whole life cycle. The fungus Beauveria bassiana is a well-studied endophyte which can colonize a variety of plants in many ways and in different parts of the plant. In this study, we examined the effect of the endophytic fungus B. bassiana on the growth of V. vinifera. The results demonstrated not only a successful colonization of the endophyte, but also a noteworthy impact on the growth of the V. vinifera root without harming the plant in any way. The fungus was also re-isolated from the parts of the plant using inst bait method. Overall, the study demonstrates the capability of B. bassiana to colonize V. vinifera plants, adding to the already existing knowledge of its endophytic activity, and highlighting its beneficial impact on the root growth.