Desarrollo de un modelo experimental para el aislamiento y selección de hongos endófitos con actividad entomopatógena en el bosque mediterráneo para el control de plagas.

A methodology for the identification and evaluation of entomopathogenic endophytic fungi in forest ecosystems is presented in this study, focusing on their potential as biological control agents of forest pests. For this purpose, the model insect Tenebrio molitor is used to evaluate the pathogenicity of the fungi found. Endophytic fungi were isolated from the tissues of several Mediterranean tree species, Quercus ilex, Quercus pyrenaica, Quercus suber and Castanea sativa, and subsequently tested on T. molitor. The entomopathogenic fungi found are compared with Beauveria pseudobassiana. When compared with Beauveria pseudobassiana, native endophyte fungi found causes 100% mortality on T. molitor, with a little higher efficacy Beauveria pseudobassiana has a TL50 of 8 days with the same mortality rate. These findings suggest that native endophytic fungi could be an alternative to control potential pests within the framework of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).