Colonization of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill on chili (Capsicum annum) and its effect on populations of Myzus persicae

Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) is one species of entomopathogenic fungi that can live endophytically by colonizing plant tissues. Colonization of fungi in plant tissue can heavily influence pest attacks. This study aimed to study the endophytic ability of B. bassiana isolates in chili and its effect on Myzus persicae population. Three isolates of B. bassiana fungus (TD312, APKo and PD114) were applied through seed immersion for 6 hrs with a concentration of 108 conidia / mL. Observed parameters included seed germination, seedling growth, colonization ability of this fungi in the roots, stems and leaves of chili and Myzus persicae population. The results showed that all B. bassiana isolates were found effective to enhance the germination percentage of chili seeds. This fungi colonized all parts of the plant with the rate of fungal colonization higher in the leaves compared to the stem and roots. B. bassiana TD312 isolate proved to be the best isolate in suppressing the development of Myzus persicae population.