Effect of inoculation method and plant growth medium on endophytic colonization of sorghum by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana

A study was conducted to determine the effect of inoculation method and plant growth medium on colonization of sorghum by an endophytic Beauveria bassiana. Colonization of leaves, stems, and roots by B. bassiana was assessed 20-days after application of the fungus. Although B. bassiana established as an endophyte in sorghum leaves, stems, and roots regardless of inoculation method (leaf, seed, or soil inoculation), plant growth medium (sterile soil, non-sterile soil, or vermiculite) apparently influenced colonization rates. Seed inoculation with conidia caused no stem or leaf colonization by the fungus in non-sterile soil but did result in substantial endophytic colonization in vermiculite and sterile soil. Leaf inoculation did not result in root colonization, regardless of plant growth medium. Endophytic colonization was greater in leaves and stems than roots. Endophytic colonization by B. bassiana had no adverse effects on the growth of sorghum plants. Leaf inoculation with a conidial suspension proved to be the best method to introduce B. bassiana into sorghum leaves for plants growing in either sterile or non-sterile soil. Further research should focus on the virulence of endophytic B. bassiana against sorghum stem borers.