Effects of Endophytic Entomopathogenic Ascomycetes on the Life-History Traits of Aphis gossypii Glover and Its Interactions with Melon Plants

摘要: Entomopathogenic fungi are sprayed commercially for aphid control in greenhouses. Recently, their ability to grow endophytically within plants was discovered, offering the opportunity systemic biological control. Endophytic colonization of host could also influence life-table parameters and behavior herbivores. We investigated lethal pre-mortality effects Beauveria bassiana Metarhizium brunneum on Aphis gossypii; aphids either received inoculum while feeding recently leaves (surface endophytically-colonized) or unsprayed but endophytically-colonized leaves. used choice assays identify any preferences plants. Volatile emissions from were compared. Aphid mortality rates ranged between 48.2 56.9% leaves, 37.7 50.0 There a significant effect endophytic rate nymph production, this did not result an overall increase population. host-plant selection even though there qualitative quantitative differences blend volatiles released by Although change herbivore behavior, still benefit via indirect defense, resistance plant pathogens abiotic stress tolerance.