Enhancement of Ex Vitro Acclimatization in Strawberry Plantlets Through Endophytic Сolonization by Beauveria Bassiana

Endophytic entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana can serve as effective biostimulants and sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers. The interaction between endophytic microorganisms and garden strawberry plants is of particular interest due to the crop’s high sensitivity to abiotic and biotic stresses. This study evaluated the effects of endophytic colonization by B. bassiana on the growth, development, and acclimatization of strawberry plantlets under controlled ex vitro conditions. Inoculation was performed either by pre-soaking plantlet roots or by a single root watering with a B. bassiana conidial suspension (1 × 108 conidia/mL). Colonization rates ranged from 11.3 to 77.5