Abstract
We investigated the fungal entomopathogens Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae to determine if endophytic colonization could be achieved in cassava. An inoculation method based on drenching the soil around cassava stem cuttings using conidial suspensions resulted in endophytic colonization of cassava roots by both entomopathogens, though neither was found in the leaves or stems of the treated cassava plants. Both fungal entomopathogens were detected more often in the proximal end of the root than in the distal end. Colonization levels of B. bassiana were higher when plants were sampled at 7–9days post-inoculation (84%) compared to 47–49days post-inoculation (40%). In contrast, the colonization levels of M. anisopliae remained constant from 7–9days post-inoculation (80%) to 47–49days post-inoculation (80%), which suggests M. anisopliae is better able to persist in the soil, or as an endophyte in cassava roots over time. Differences in colonization success and plant growth were found among the fungal entomopathogen treatments.
Highlights
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz; Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae) is the third most important food crop in the tropics after rice and maize, and is a staple food for at least 700 million people in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific Islands
At 7–9 days post-inoculation, 84% of all B. bassiana treated plants were colonized, and 80% of all M. anisopliae treated plants were colonized
We have demonstrated for the first time that B. bassiana and M. anisopliae can endophytically colonize cassava roots
Summary
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz; Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae) is the third most important food crop in the tropics after rice and maize, and is a staple food for at least 700 million people in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific Islands Cassava tolerates nutrient-poor soils and drought and is an important crop for food security and generation of income in developing countries, where it is grown mostly by smallholder farmers (Bellotti et al, 2012; Cock, 2011). Various parts of cassava are used to feed livestock, and in some countries cassava starch is an important product for the paper, textiles and food processing industries (Nassar and Ortiz, 2007). Cassava is attacked by at least 200 species of arthropod pests known to cause root yield losses, including whiteflies, mealybugs, mites, hornworm, thrips and burrower bugs (Bellotti et al, 2012)
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