Fungal Endophytes: Beyond Herbivore Management

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Pathology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Entomopathogenic fungi, including Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, are established biocontrol agents in Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• These fungi commonly act as endophytes, colonizing plant tissues and protecting hosts from herbivore pests.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted benefits of endophytic fungi beyond pest management.
• To explore their roles in enhancing plant yield, nutrient distribution, and stress tolerance.
• To discuss lesser-known negative effects and future prospects for optimizing crop production.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on endophytic entomopathogenic fungi.
• Synthesis of data on fungal interactions with host plants and pests.
• Analysis of reported beneficial and detrimental effects.

Main Results:

• Endophytic fungi provide significant pest control and also promote plant growth and yield.
• They improve nutrient cycling and enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses like drought.
• Some negative impacts of these fungi on host plants are also documented but remain under-researched.

Conclusions:

• Endophytic entomopathogenic fungi possess diverse beneficial properties extending beyond pest control.
• Further research into these additional benefits can increase their adoption in sustainable agriculture for enhanced crop yields.
• Understanding both positive and negative effects is crucial for maximizing their integration into crop management strategies.