Effect of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi (EEPF) in biological control of Odontotermes obesus (Rambur 1842) and their synergistic impact on plant physiological responses

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The increasing incidence of termite infestation in forest plantations urgent need for sustainable and eco-friendly pest management strategies. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have emerged as potential biocontrol agents that also promote plant health when acting as endophytes. The present study explores the endophytic potential of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana for the biological control of Odontotermes obesus , a major subterranean termite species damaging forest seedlings. Laboratory virulence assays revealed that M. anisopliae demonstrated higher pathogenicity (LT₅₀: 34.91 h; LT₉₀: 62.34 h) compared to B. bassiana (LT₅₀: 45.26 h; LT₉₀: 98.53 h). Both fungi were tested for endophytic colonization through foliar spray, root dip, and soil drench methods in Dalbergia sissoo, Azadirachta indica, and Prosopis cineraria . Among the methods, foliar application showed the highest colonization, with M . anisopliae achieving up to 89.23% in P. cineraria . Treated seedlings also exhibited enhanced growth parameters, elevated photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a: 5.1–5.8 µg/mL; carotenoids: 3.4–3.9 µg/mL), increased secondary metabolites (total phenols: 5.6 mg/g), and improved antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase: 253.5 U/ml; ascorbate peroxidase: 271.6 U/ml), indicating stronger defense and plant vigor. The findings establish M. anisopliae as a promising dual-action agent for termite control and seedling health enhancement. Future research should focus on the molecular basis of EPF-plant symbiosis, long-term field efficacy under varied ecological conditions, and integration of EPF-based biocontrol into forest pest management programs.