Beauveria bassiana as an endophyte: a critical review on associated methodology and biocontrol potential

TY - JOUR

T1 - Beauveria bassiana as an endophyte

T2 - a critical review on associated methodology and biocontrol potential

AU - McKinnon, Aimee C.

AU - Saari, Susanna Talvikki

AU - Moran-Diez, Maria E.

AU - Meyling, Nicolai Vitt

AU - Raad, Maya

AU - Glare, Travis R.

PY - 2017

Y1 - 2017

N2 - In the last decade there has been increased focus on the potential of endophytic Beauveria bassiana for the biocontrol of insect herbivores. Generally, detection of endophytes is acknowledged to be problematic and recovery method-dependent. Herein, we critically analyse the methodology reported for the detection of B. bassiana as endophytes following experimental inoculation. In light of the methodology, we further review the effects of endophytic B. bassiana on insect herbivores. Our review indicated the need for stringent protocols for surface sterilisation including thorough experimental controls. For molecular detection protocols by PCR, residual DNA from surface inocula must also be considered. The biocontrol potential of B. bassiana endophytes appears promising although both negative and neutral effects on insect herbivores were reported and there remains ambiguity with respect to the location and mode of action of the fungus in planta. We recommend that future studies adopt multiple techniques, including culture dependent and independent techniques for endophyte detection and elucidate the mechanisms involved against insect herbivores.

AB - In the last decade there has been increased focus on the potential of endophytic Beauveria bassiana for the biocontrol of insect herbivores. Generally, detection of endophytes is acknowledged to be problematic and recovery method-dependent. Herein, we critically analyse the methodology reported for the detection of B. bassiana as endophytes following experimental inoculation. In light of the methodology, we further review the effects of endophytic B. bassiana on insect herbivores. Our review indicated the need for stringent protocols for surface sterilisation including thorough experimental controls. For molecular detection protocols by PCR, residual DNA from surface inocula must also be considered. The biocontrol potential of B. bassiana endophytes appears promising although both negative and neutral effects on insect herbivores were reported and there remains ambiguity with respect to the location and mode of action of the fungus in planta. We recommend that future studies adopt multiple techniques, including culture dependent and independent techniques for endophyte detection and elucidate the mechanisms involved against insect herbivores.

KW - Cultivation-dependent

KW - Cultivation-independent detection

KW - Entomopathogenic fungi

KW - Herbivore

KW - Inoculation

KW - Insect

KW - Isolation

KW - Pest

KW - Surface disinfection

U2 - 10.1007/s10526-016-9769-5

DO - 10.1007/s10526-016-9769-5

M3 - Review

AN - SCOPUS:84991106505

SN - 1386-6141

VL - 62

SP - 1

EP - 17

JO - BioControl

JF - BioControl

IS - 1

ER -