Endophytic fungi, which live within host plant tissues asymptomatically, are important mediators of plant-herbivore interactions. two isolates of Beauveria bassiana (E=Sahar-1987OP616114 and M=Elbashir-1976OP616115) , an entomopathogenic fungus,are attempted to colonize the seedlings of date palm, Mejdhool variety using fungal spores suspension applied as foliar spray, injection and soil drench. The two isolates of B. bassiana were successfully established inside the aforementioned seedlings via all colonization techniques which were used. Mean of recovery was calculated by cutting the leaves of the treated plant and culturing it on selective media. The highest percent endophytic fungi recovery rate was recorded in the first months, where the mean of establishment of the three colonization techniques for recovery after 1 months were as follows 95.00±9.26 and 92.50±10.35 in case of spray method for isolate E and M consecutively. For injection, the record was 75.00±20.70 and 87.50±18.32 for E and M, consequently. For drench, 45.00±22.52 and 60.00±14.14 for E and M respectively. While for control all treatments registered 0.00±0.00, according to Duncan’s Multiple Range test (DMRT). The study was continued for one year recording declining in establishment in second half of the year in all treatment and all protocols. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the treated leaf surface revealed that numerous conidia inside the plant tissues . SEM of inner surface of treated leaf epidermis showed the spores and hyphae of the fungus. This work was carried out to establish the fungus into the plant hoping that this fungus would protect the plant against pests and diseases.
Establishment and detection of some Sudanease isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo)
