Hadis Jayanti

Research Interest

• Combination of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi for biological control in tomato
• Impact of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi on plant-pest and plant-pathogen interactions

Entomopathogenic fungi may play additional roles in natural ecosystems beside their primary role as insect pathogens. As plant endophytes, they are also known as antagonists of plant pathogens, promote plant growth, improve resistance to environmental stress, and have a beneficial association on rhizosphere organisms. Several entomopathogenic fungi have been reported as naturally occurring endophytes, while others have been introduced into the plant using different inoculation techniques. Previous studies already proved Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium brunneum or Acremonium strictum as endophytes in various genera of plants.I will investigate mechanisms of synergistic, antagonist, or competitive interaction among these fungi in plants aiming at understanding whether a combination of these fungi can promote control effectiveness of pest and plant diseases. The use of these microbial control agents as endophytes is expected to be more long lasting compared to fungal entomopathogen-based bioinsecticides applied as sprays.