Beauveria felina Accelerates Growth When Competing With Other Potential Endophytes

The fungus Beauveria felina is often classified as one of the so-called good biocontrol agents. However, no information is available about the growth of this entomopathogenic fungus in the presence of other endophytic fungi, which are usually found in plant tissues. Effects of fungal interactions vary from inhibiting the activity of a biocontrol agent to stimulating its effect on the targeted pathogen. This study compared the growth rate of Beauveria felina alone and in interaction with other endophytic fungi. In the presence of each competitor (Gliomastix polychroma or Rhodotorula mucilaginosa), B. felina grew faster than in the control. In the interaction between Beauveria felina and Gliomastix polychroma, an inhibition zone was formed between their mycelia. This is the first report showing the response of its mycelium to biotic stress caused by the presence of other fungi.