Establishment of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) sorokin as endophyte in maize and sorghum

Abstract

Glasshouse experiments were conducted to establish an indigenous soil-derived strain of Metarhizium anisopliae (ICAR-NBAIR Ma-35) as endophyte in maize and sorghum by artificial inoculation through foliar spray of conidial suspension. Colonization of M. anisopliae were studied at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 Days After Treatment (DAT) in stem and leaf tissues of maize and sorghum by plating technique and PCR method. Metarhizium anisopliae showed variation with regard to the extent of colonization in stem and leaf tissues of maize and sorghum. In maize, colonization was observed at 30DAT in stem and 30-45DAT in leaf. In sorghum, colonization of M. anisopliae was observed during 15-60DAT in stem and 15-75DAT in leaf indicating longer persistence compared to maize. Colonization of M. anisopliae was observed in young growing stem tips and leaves (unsprayed) indicating the internal spread of M. anisopliae in maize and sorghum plants. M. anisopliae was not detected in the untreated stem and leaf tissues of maize and sorghum. The positive results of colonization of M. anisopliae in maize and sorghum stem/leaf tissues observed in plating technique were confirmed by the PCR amplification.