The effect of Beauveria bassiana inoculation on plant growth, volatile constituents, and tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) repellency of acetone extracts of Tulbaghia violacea

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales) inoculum on plant growth, volatile constituents, and tick repellency of the extracts of Tulbaghia violacea (Amaryllidaceae). Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old potted seedlings of T. violacea were each inoculated with conidia of B. bassiana (strain SM3) suspended at a concentration of 1×106 conidia mL–1. Tissue colonization by fungal conidia was assessed after 3 weeks. Plant growth, volatile constituents, and tick repellency were assessed after 12 weeks post-treatment. Results: B. bassiana conidia successfully colonized leaf and root tissues of T. violacea. The growth of fungal hyphae out of the leaf and root sections occurred in 75% and 91.6% of plants, respectively. Inoculation of the plants with B. bassiana significantly (p