Endophytic effect of Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) (Boveril® EVO) on biological and demographic parameters of Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala)

Abstract

The aphid Lipaphis pseudobrassicae is an important pest of Brassicaceae, causing damage through feeding and disease transmission. The use of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi represents a sustainable alternative for aphid control, reducing reliance on insecticides. However, information on the endophytic effects of commercial products formulated from entomopathogenic fungi on aphids remains scarce. In this context, this study evaluated the endophytic effect of a commercial bioinsecticide formulated from Beauveria bassiana (Boveril® EVO) on the biological and demographic parameters of L. pseudobrassicae. Kale seedlings (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) had their root systems immersed in a fungal suspension (1.0 × 10? conidia. mL?¹), and after confirmation of endophytic colonization, first-instar nymphs were inoculated onto the plants to monitor their biology, including development, fecundity, and survival. An increase in the net reproductive rate (R? = 5.00) and a reduction in population doubling time (DT = 4.96 days) were observed in insects that developed on plants inoculated with B. bassiana, compared with the control (R? = 0.46; DT = 11.16 days). A longer nymphal stage and reduced adult longevity were observed on colonized plants, along with a reduction in the pre-reproductive period. The remaining biological and demographic parameters did not differ between treatments. Endophytic colonization by B. bassiana altered biological parameters of L. pseudobrassicae.