Endophytic colonization of cotton by two Argentinean isolates of Metarhizium robertsii pathogenic to Anthonomus grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract

Studies on the interactions between plants and entomopathogenic fungi are gaining interest because they open new possibilities for utilization of these fungi for pest control and plant growth promotion. Endophytic colonization by Metarhizium may depend on specific plant–strain interactions. Consequently, accurate characterization of fungal isolates and species is essential, along with understanding the mechanisms governing their interaction with plants.