Assessing the Endophytic Potential of a Commercially Available Entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana Strain in Various Citrus Rootstocks

The citrus industry is challenged by numerous arthropods, yet extensive research has not been conducted to determine the potential use of entomopathogenic fungi as endophytes in pest management strategies. Two inoculation methods (i.e., soil drench and foliar spray) using a suspension Beauveria bassiana (strain PPRI 5339 contained Velifer®) containing 4 × 107 conidia mL−1 0.01% Tween 80 were on three commercially available rootstocks ‘US-942’, ‘US-812’, ‘Swingle’). Seedlings grown under greenhouse-controlled conditions over 7-week observation period. Similarly, third method (seed soaking) was seeds from same rootstocks. fungus re-isolated post-inoculation ‘US-942’ ‘US-812’ spray seed soaking treatments. In addition, recovered root tissue foliar-sprayed seedlings, suggesting possible systemic movement leaves roots. soil-drench-treated nor any ‘Swingle’ cultivars. This study assessed B. endophytically colonize certain planta.