We investigated the fungal entomopathogens Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae to determine
if endophytic colonization could be achieved in cassava. An inoculation method based on drenching the
soil around cassava stem cuttings using conidial suspensions resulted in endophytic colonization of cassava
roots by both entomopathogens, though neither was found in the leaves or stems of the treated cassava
plants. Both fungal entomopathogens were detected more often in the proximal end of the root than
in the distal end. Colonization levels of B. bassiana were higher when plants were sampled at 7–9 days
post-inoculation (84%) compared to 47–49 days post-inoculation (40%). In contrast, the colonization
levels of M. anisopliae remained constant from 7–9 days post-inoculation (80%) to 47–49 days postinoculation
(80%), which suggests M. anisopliae is better able to persist in the soil, or as an endophyte
in cassava roots over time. Differences in colonization success and plant growth were found among
the fungal entomopathogen treatments.