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<p>Entomopathogenic fungi in the genus <i>Metarhizium</i> exhibit dual ecological lifestyles as insect pathogens and plant-associated endophytes, positioning them as key mediators of cross-kingdom interactions. However, how interactions among co-occurring species shape their functional roles across host environments remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated inter-species interactions between representatives of the <i>M. anisopliae</i> and <i>M. flavoviride</i> species complexes across insect hosts and plant root systems, with plant experiments conducted under contrasting temperature regimes (15&#xa0;°C, 20&#xa0;°C, and 30&#xa0;°C). Co-infection experiments in <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> revealed consistent exclusion of the <i>M. flavoviride</i> isolate by <i>M. pingshaense</i>, indicating strong interaction asymmetry during host infection. In plant root systems, both species established endophytic associations, but interaction outcomes varied with temperature. Amplicon sequencing and germination assays showed that <i>M. pingshaense</i> responded more strongly to plant-derived substrates and dominated root colonization at 20&#xa0;°C and 15&#xa0;°C. In contrast, the isolate, belonging to the <i>M. flavoviride</i> complex, exhibited greater colonization at 30&#xa0;°C under single-species conditions, indicating a shift in functional performance under cooler environments. These findings demonstrate that <i>Metarhizium</i> interactions are shaped by both host context and temperature, illustrating a balance between competitive exclusion and niche partitioning. This dependence on context suggests flexible symbiotic roles, where species can switch between antagonistic and associative relationships depending on the environment. By examining insect infection and plant root colonization under contrasting environmental conditions, including different temperature regimes for the plant interactions, this research highlights how environmental changes influence microbial interactions across different hosts, offering insights into the stability and function of symbiotic relationships. </p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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From pathogen to endophyte: competitive interactions between Metarhizium species during insect infection and temperature-dependent plant root colonization

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月10日

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  • Abolfazl Masoudi,
  • Min Wang,
  • Can Wang,
  • Hui Wang,
  • Zhijun Yu,
  • Jingze Liu

摘要

Entomopathogenic fungi in the genus Metarhizium exhibit dual ecological lifestyles as insect pathogens and plant-associated endophytes, positioning them as key mediators of cross-kingdom interactions. However, how interactions among co-occurring species shape their functional roles across host environments remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated inter-species interactions between representatives of the M. anisopliae and M. flavoviride species complexes across insect hosts and plant root systems, with plant experiments conducted under contrasting temperature regimes (15 °C, 20 °C, and 30 °C). Co-infection experiments in Tenebrio molitor revealed consistent exclusion of the M. flavoviride isolate by M. pingshaense, indicating strong interaction asymmetry during host infection. In plant root systems, both species established endophytic associations, but interaction outcomes varied with temperature. Amplicon sequencing and germination assays showed that M. pingshaense responded more strongly to plant-derived substrates and dominated root colonization at 20 °C and 15 °C. In contrast, the isolate, belonging to the M. flavoviride complex, exhibited greater colonization at 30 °C under single-species conditions, indicating a shift in functional performance under cooler environments. These findings demonstrate that Metarhizium interactions are shaped by both host context and temperature, illustrating a balance between competitive exclusion and niche partitioning. This dependence on context suggests flexible symbiotic roles, where species can switch between antagonistic and associative relationships depending on the environment. By examining insect infection and plant root colonization under contrasting environmental conditions, including different temperature regimes for the plant interactions, this research highlights how environmental changes influence microbial interactions across different hosts, offering insights into the stability and function of symbiotic relationships.

Graphical Abstract