Fungal Endophyte Beauveria bassiana Provides Dual Pest Protection in Maize
Jaber L, Ownley B, Vega F
Summary
8.9/10A beneficial fungus living inside corn provides built-in pest protection: 78% less armyworm damage and 45% fewer aphids.
Key Findings
92% colonization at 60 days
78% armyworm damage reduction
45% aphid reduction
Original Abstract
Seed inoculation with B. bassiana established persistent endophytic colonization in maize (92% of plants at 60 days). Colonized plants showed 78% reduction in fall armyworm damage and 45% reduction in aphid populations. The endophyte produced beauvericin in planta at sub-phytotoxic levels.
Species Mentioned
Maize, also known as corn in North American English, is a tall stout grass that produces cereal grain. The leafy stalk of the plant gives rise to male inflorescences or tassels which produce pollen, and female inflorescences called ears. The ears yield grain, known as kernels or seeds. In modern ...
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