Determination of the effects of endophytic bacteria on the biology of bean aphid [Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] feeding on bean plants and on plant development

The bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a significant pest that feeds on various plants, particularly beans and broad beans, in worldwide. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are used as an alternative to promoting environmentally friendly agriculture by reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Endophytic bacteria (EB); they are rhizobacteria (PGPR) that increase the growth, development, tolerance and adaptation of plants to stresses, diseases and pests in nature. The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of EB on the biological features of Aphis fabae feeding on beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). In the study, bean plants were treated with EB isolates using two different methods (drenching and spraying). The biological parameters of the aphid A. fabae and the effects on the developmental parameters of beans were examined. The study was conducted in climate chambers. The obtained data from the life tables were calculated using the age-stage two-sex life table method. According to the findings, the lowest population parameters among EB isolates and compared to the control were obtained in the G118K1T and G109K2 isolates for both drenching and spraying methods. The results indicate that EB applications have a positive effect on plant growth parameters, especially the G118K1T, T2K2, and V33K1 isolates, which increased plant growth parameters more compared to other EB isolates. Our findings support the role of EB in plant growth and defense, suggesting that they could contribute to alternative control options against pests. Keywords: Age-stage TWOSEX life table, Aphis fabae, Endophyte bacteria (PGPR), Induced systemic resistance, Population parameters