Endophytic beauveria bassiana (balsamo) vuillemin in corn: The influence of the plant growth stage and ostrinia nubilalis (hübner)

A conidial suspension of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, was injected into corn plants at anthesis to suppress populations of the European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The fungus colonized the plants and moved, primarily upward, within the pith, possibly along with plant photosyn‐thates. Beauveria bassiana injected into the corn plants significantly reduced the amount of European corn borer tunneling. Colonization of corn plants by B. bassiana was independent of European corn borer infestation. The impact of environmental conditions on the movement and colonization of the plants by B. bassiana is discussed.