Characterization of Endophytic Entomopathogenic Fungal Isolates: Growth Dynamics, Viability, Density, and Morphological Attributes

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to comprehensively characterize endophytic entomopathogenic fungal isolates, focusing on their growth dynamics, viability, density, and morphological attributes, with implications for biocontrol strategies against insect pests. Study Design: The research tracked radial growth rates of fungal isolates over 21 days, conducted conidial viability assessments at 24 and 48 hours, measured conidial density, and performed morphological analysis to identify distinct characteristics. Methodology: Endophytic entomopathogenic fungal isolates, including Beauveria bassiana and Lecanicillium lecanii, were subjected to radial growth rate tracking, viability assessments, density measurements, and morphological analysis. Statistical analysis was employed to identify significant variations among isolates and time intervals. Results: Significant variations in radial growth rates were observed among isolates, with Beauveria bassiana isolate ChBb exhibiting a rate of 3.66 mm/day, followed by B. bassiana isolate NaBb with 3.92 mm/day, and Lecanicillium lecanii isolate KmLl with 3.06 mm/day. Conidial viability assessments revealed temporal dynamics, with NaBb maintaining the highest viability at both 24 and 48 hours. Additionally, significant differences in conidial density were noted, with NaBb exhibiting the highest density followed by ChBb and KmLl. Morphological analysis unveiled distinct characteristics among isolates, including differences in conidia length, width, and length-to-width ratio. Conclusion: The findings underscore the potential of Beauveria bassiana and Lecanicillium lecanii isolates in biocontrol strategies against insect pests, highlighting their varying growth dynamics, viability, density, and morphological attributes. These insights contribute to the understanding of entomopathogenic fungi and their applications in sustainable pest management practices.