MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Biostimulant and Bioinsecticidal Effect of Coating Cotton Seeds with Endophytic Beauveria bassiana in Semi-Field Conditions

Summary

Researchers coated cotton seeds with a beneficial fungus called Beauveria bassiana to improve plant growth and reduce insect pests. The treated cotton plants grew taller, had more leaves, and accumulated more biomass than untreated plants. Additionally, these coated seeds significantly reduced populations of aphids that naturally infested the plants, offering a chemical-free approach to pest management for cotton farming.

Background

Cotton cultivation faces challenges from high nutrient requirements, irrigation demands, and susceptibility to insect pests. Coating cotton seeds with beneficial fungi could address these problems. This study investigates the potential of endophytic Beauveria bassiana as both a biostimulant and bioinsecticidal agent.

Objective

To investigate the growth characteristics and pest resistance of cotton plants grown from seeds coated with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana compared to conventional uncoated seeds. The study evaluated biostimulatory effects and bioinsecticidal properties against naturally occurring Aphis gossypii infestation.

Results

Treated cotton plants showed significantly higher germination rates, plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, fresh and dry biomass, and total chlorophyll content compared to controls. Inoculated plants experienced significantly lower aphid populations from week five onward. B. bassiana was successfully reisolated from treated cotton leaves, confirming endophytic colonization.

Conclusion

B. bassiana seed coating demonstrated significant biostimulatory effects on cotton growth and bioinsecticidal properties against A. gossypii. These results suggest that endophytic fungal seed coating could be a viable application for intensive cotton growing conditions, combining plant growth promotion with pest management.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 37630610, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082050
Scroll to Top