Entomopathogenic fungal endophyte-mediated tritrophic interactions between Spodoptera littoralis and its parasitoid Hyposoter didymator

Effects of root inoculation of entomopathogenic fungi on olfactory‐mediated behavior and life‐history traits of the parasitoid Aphidius ervi (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

“…Our results also showed that parasitoids were more attracted to inoculated plants over control plants when they were infested by aphids, although no significant differences in attraction were observed in the absence of aphids (percentage of attraction to noninoculated and inoculated plants 50.5% and 49.5%, respectively). Previous studies have demonstrated that natural enemies can show an increased attraction to endophytically colonized plants infested with host insects, although results can vary depending on the involved species and environmental conditions 35,64–66 . In most studies, the natural enemies were allowed to physically contact the hosts, not distinguishing between plant VOC cues and host quality or host product (contact) cues.…”

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that natural enemies can show an increased attraction to endophytically colonized plants infested with host insects, although results can vary depending on the involved species and environmental conditions. 35,[64][65][66] In most studies, the natural enemies were allowed to physically contact the hosts, not distinguishing between plant VOC cues and host quality or host product (contact) cues. In our experiments, parasitoids could not contact the aphids, showing that changes in VOC composition on fungal colonization influenced the attractiveness of the plant for natural enemies.…”

Updated Characterization of Races of Plasmopara halstedii and Entomopathogenic Fungi as Endophytes of Sunflower Plants in Axenic Culture

“…It is worthwhile mentioning that we worked under axenic conditions and that the colonization of young plants by EF was assessed 14 days after treatment. The endophytic property of these EF strains was previously reported in other plant species and systems, such as sorghum [23,41], melon [43], and wheat [37,38]. In the case of sunflower, plant colonization by these strains has already been reported through both microbiological [23] and molecular [19] approaches.…”

“…In the case of sunflower, plant colonization by these strains has already been reported through both microbiological [23] and molecular [19] approaches. Most studies focus on transient colonization of plants by EF after foliar spraying [43,44], but there is strong evidence of long-term endophytic colonization following soil treatment [19,23]. However, colonization patterns tend to be erratic and inconsistent, especially when assessed through the re-isolation of the EF from plant tissue [14,25].…”

Entomopathogenic Fungi-Mediated Solubilization and Induction of Fe Related Genes in Melon and Cucumber Plants

“…Indeed, several studies have shown the efficacy of species from the genera Metarhizium and Beauveria to control herbivores in crops like olive, corn, wheat, tomato, sunflower, melon and soybean amongst others [ 11 , 49 , 65 , 67 ]. Besides, they play other roles beyond pest control with direct and indirect benefits for plant growth through nutrient mobilization and/or mediation of trophic relationships [ 8 , 9 , 68 , 69 , 70 ]. Increasing the bioavailability of nutrients through phytohormones production and improvement of water transport are ways that IPF promote plant growth directly; they also benefit plants through indirect mechanisms involving induction of systemic resistance to harmful organisms [ 11 ].…”