The endophytic capacity of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana caused inherent physiological response in two barley (Hordeum vulgare) varieties

Abstract

In this study, the endophytic capacity of B. bassiana was determined for two barley (Hordeum vulgare) varieties, Josefa and Esmeralda, inoculated with a seedling immersion at three different concentrations (1 × 10 6 , 1 × 10 7 and 1 × 10 8 conidia/mL). Seedling length and chlorophyll content were found to be not affected when inoculated with the entomopathogenic fungus, in both barley varieties. However, the colonisation percentage was found to be significantly lower with the inoculum concentration 1 × 10 6 conidia/mL for both barley varieties (P < 0.05) when compared to the other concentrations. Furthermore, a principal component analysis indicated that 96.23% of the variability in the data could be explained with two components. This analysis showed that the seedling length and chlorophyll content were positively correlated in both barley varieties for the 1 × 10 7 conidia/mL concentration. Likewise, a positive correlation was observed for colonisation percentage and treatment with 1 × 10 8 conidia/mL in the Josefa variety only. This is the first study in which the endophytic capacity of B. bassiana was evaluated in two different barley varieties, with the Josefa variety found to be the most susceptible.

Non-Entomopathogenic Roles of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Promoting Plant Health and Growth

“…They are known to colonize several species of plants endophytically—living inside the plant. Examples of plants that were colonized by B. bassiana and other EPF include barley [26]; cassava [27]; cocoa [28]; forbs, grasses, green beans [29]; corn, soybean, tobacco, wheat [30,31]; strawberry [32]; and many other crop plants [33]. When fungi are applied through a soil drench, foliar application, or seed or transplant treatment, they colonize and benefit the plants in one or more ways.…”

Evaluation of Various Inoculation Methods on the Effect of Beauveria bassiana on the Plant Growth of Kiwi and on Halyomorpha halys Infestation: A Two-Year Field Study

“…In experiments by Akter et al, 2023 [70], where B. Bassiana was applied to rice, increases in total chlorophyll were observed in both normal and salt stress conditions. Corresponding increases in chlorophyll have also been observed in application experiments on lettuce Lactuca sativa L., (Asterales: Asteraceae) [82], clove Syzygium aromaticum (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) [83], barley Hordeum vulgare (Poales: Poaceae) [84], and tobacco Nicotiana benthamiana (Solanales: Solanaceae) [67]. B. bassiana demonstrates biostimulant relevance in kiwifruit cultivation, and the I and R application methods, could have been chlorophyll-enhancing factors in our experiment.…”

Dual Action of Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales; Cordycipitaceae) Endophytic Stains as Biocontrol Agents against Sucking Pests and Plant Growth Biostimulants on Melon and Strawberry Field Plants

“…Similar growth promotion in strawberry plants has been reported previously [33][34][35][36], whereas this study is the first to report enhancement of plant growth and production of melon plants by inoculation by B. bassiana. The positive effect of endophytic strains of B. bassiana on plant growth and yield has been well documented in several other crops, such as coffee [55], maize [56], tomato [57], soybean [58], barley [59], broad bean [60], grapevine [61], tobacco [62] and cotton [11].…”