Biological and physiological effects in Bemisia tabaci feeding on tomatoes endophytically colonized by Beauveria bassiana

BACKGROUND

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) treatment of plants may affect the survival and feeding preferences of herbivorous pests. However, comprehensive studies on the fitness across their entire life cycle, feeding behavior, and physiological changes in herbivores consuming EPF‐treated plants within the tripartite interactions of EPF, plants, and pests are still limited. In this study, we utilized life tables, electrical penetration graph (EPG), and metabolomics to uncover the biological and physiological characteristics of Bemisia tabaci on tomato plants inoculated with Beauveria bassiana through root irrigation.

RESULTS

Our study indicated that B. bassiana Bb252 can penetrate the entire tissue from the point of inoculation, primarily colonizing the intercellular spaces and vascular tissue. However, this colonization is temporary, lasting no more than 35 days. Moreover, the population fitness and feeding behavior of B. tabaci on tomato plants treated with B. bassiana via root irrigation were significantly affected, showing a substantial 41.4% decrease in net reproductive rate (R₀), a notable reduction in watery salivation, and shortened phloem ingestion. Lastly, we observed a significant decrease in hormones and amino acids of whiteflies that fed on B. bassiana‐treated tomato plants by root irrigation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that the endophyte, B. bassiana Bb252, reduced demographic fitness of B. tabaci by altering its hormones and amino acids levels. These findings enhance our understanding of multitrophic interactions in integrated pest management.

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