Maize mycorrhizas decrease the susceptibility of the foliar insect herbivore Spodoptera frugiperda to its homologous nucleopolyhedrovirus.

Background: The multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus of Spodoptera frugiperda (SfMNPV) plays an important role in regulating its natural host and has high potential for use as a bioinsecticide. However, information about how agricultural practices such as fertilization and plant biotic interactions affect the biocontrol efficacy of SfMNPV is limited. In this study, we examined how multitrophic maize-mycorrhiza-insect herbivore interactions affect the biocontrol efficacy of SfMNPV against S.

In a belowground multitrophic interaction, Trichoderma harzianum induces maize root herbivore tolerance against Phyllophaga vetula.

Background: Trichoderma spp. are soil fungi that interact with plant roots and associated biota such as other microorganisms and soil fauna. However, information about their interactions with root-feeding insects is limited.