Fungal endophytes can affect plant-herbivore interactions above and belowground

The Chaetomium fungi are known to producing certain metabolites (i.e., chetomin, chetocin, cochliodinol, etc) that negatively affect plant parasitic nematodes. We evaluated a Chaetomium globosum strain isolated as an endophyte from cotton plants in Texas for effects on both insect and nematode herbivores when present as an endophyte in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Similar antagonistic effects of endophytic C. globosum against both insect and nematode herbivores, including phloem-feeding cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii), beet armyworms (Spodoptera exigua), and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita), were observed in greenhouse trials. Two field trials in Dawson County and Cochran County, TX were conducted in 2014. We used two C. globosum seed inoculation methods applied to two different cotton genotypes (PhytoGen 499 WRF and PhytoGen 367 WRF) to test for effects of root-knot nematode and plant performance. We found evidence for suppression of M. incognita, enhanced plant performance, and higher yields in cotton treated with endophytic C. globosum.