Evaluation of Beauveria brongniartii and its Metabolite Oosporein Regarding Phytotoxicity on Seed Potatoes

The phytotoxic potential of Beauveria brongniartii and its main secondary metabolite oosporein were evaluated against seed potatoes ( Solanum tuberosum ) both in vitro and in situ . In a tray test, potatoes were inoculated using conidiospores and grown either in garden soil or in B. brongniartii -enriched soil. The only significant effect of the treatment was the fact that the weight of the roots was different compared with the controls. The weight of haulm and tubers was unaffected by the treatment with B. brongniartii . No oosporein was detected in the potatoes, although the density of B. brongniartii in the soil was forty times higher than recommended for the usage of this biological control agent (BCA). This indicates that oosporein does not enter the food chain via potato tubers. The effect of BCA on seed potatoes was also tested in situ . No B. brongniartii was detected in the potato field before the application of BCA. Three months after application, an average of 3 ×10 4 colony forming units per gram soil (dry weight) were recorded. Although Melolontha melolontha larvae damaged 60% of the potatoes, only 3% of the tissue samples were infected with B. brongniartii . The results obtained in this study suggest that B. brongniartii and its secondary metabolite oosporein pose no risks to potato plants, tubers, or to their consumers.