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Beauveria bassiana as an endophyte: a critical review on associated methodology and biocontrol potential

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Abstract

In the last decade there has been increased focus on the potential of endophytic Beauveria bassiana for the biocontrol of insect herbivores. Generally, detection of endophytes is acknowledged to be problematic and recovery method-dependent. Herein, we critically analyse the methodology reported for the detection of B. bassiana as endophytes following experimental inoculation. In light of the methodology, we further review the effects of endophytic B. bassiana on insect herbivores. Our review indicated the need for stringent protocols for surface sterilisation including thorough experimental controls. For molecular detection protocols by PCR, residual DNA from surface inocula must also be considered. The biocontrol potential of B. bassiana endophytes appears promising although both negative and neutral effects on insect herbivores were reported and there remains ambiguity with respect to the location and mode of action of the fungus in planta. We recommend that future studies adopt multiple techniques, including culture dependent and independent techniques for endophyte detection and elucidate the mechanisms involved against insect herbivores.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Chad Keyser for comments on an earlier version of this review. We are also grateful for the advice of Barbara Schulz and Damian Bienkowski. This work was supported by the Bio-Protection Research Centre at Lincoln University in New Zealand and the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. This work was accomplished through funding from the Tertiary Education Commission, NZ.

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  1. Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln, Christchurch, 7647, New Zealand

    Aimee C. McKinnon, Maria E. Moran-Diez, Maya Raad & Travis R. Glare

  2. Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark

    Susanna Saari & Nicolai V. Meyling

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  2. Susanna Saari
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  3. Maria E. Moran-Diez
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  4. Nicolai V. Meyling
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  5. Maya Raad
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  6. Travis R. Glare
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Correspondence to Aimee C. McKinnon.

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Handling Editor: Helen Roy

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McKinnon, A.C., Saari, S., Moran-Diez, M.E. et al. Beauveria bassiana as an endophyte: a critical review on associated methodology and biocontrol potential. BioControl 62, 1–17 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9769-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9769-5

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