ABSTRACT
The susceptibility of phytophagous arthropods to their respective pathogens is inuenced by an array of plant-associated factors. Both macro-and microenvironmental conditions associated with the plant may inuence intrinsic properties of the pathogen and host. The plant microtopography may inuence entomopathogen persistence and either favor or interfere with the survival of inoculum deposited on the plant surface. Foliar exudates and/or induced plant volatiles caused by herbivory may be antagonistic to entomopathogens on the phylloplane. The ingestion of entomopathogens with plant material and salivary secretions may stimulate or suppress the disease process. For example, there may be interactions between insect gut characteristics, leaf traits (i.e., pH and buffer capacity), entomopathogens, and their toxins (Figure 9.1). At this stage, gut-associated ora may also play an important role in disease expression. Insect-assimilated secondary plant components translocated into either the hemocoel or deposited onto the cuticle may further interface with the insect pathogen.
