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Beauveria felina Accelerates Growth When Competing With Other Potential Endophytes

Summary

Scientists studied how Beauveria felina, a fungus used to control crop pests, performs when competing with other fungi naturally found in plants. Surprisingly, B. felina grew faster when other fungi were present, suggesting it could be a robust biocontrol agent. However, researchers caution that introducing any new organism to plants requires careful study of how it affects the entire fungal community living in the plant.

Background

Beauveria felina is an entomopathogenic fungus considered a promising biocontrol agent for crop pests. However, little is known about how this fungus interacts with other endophytic fungi naturally present in plant tissues, which could affect its biocontrol efficacy.

Objective

To investigate the growth rate of Beauveria felina in isolation and when competing with other endophytic fungi (Gliomastix polychroma and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa) to assess its suitability as a biocontrol agent in complex fungal ecosystems.

Results

B. felina showed accelerated growth in the presence of both competitors, increasing 4.3-fold with G. polychroma and doubling with R. mucilaginosa compared to control. An inhibition zone formed between B. felina and G. polychroma mycelia in 65% of samples despite G. polychroma’s faster solo growth rate.

Conclusion

B. felina demonstrates robust competitive ability and growth stimulation when interacting with other endophytic fungi, supporting its potential as a biocontrol agent. However, careful ecological assessment of its effects on plant holobiont interactions is needed before large-scale agricultural application.
  • Published in:Environmental Microbiology Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39817503, PMCID: PMC11736628
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