Metarhizium anisopliae blastospores are highly virulent to adult Aedes aegypti, an important arbovirus vector.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) for the control of adult mosquitoes is a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides. Previous studies have only evaluated conidiospores against adult mosquitoes. However, blastospores, which are highly virulent against mosquito larvae and pupae, could also be effective against adults.

Methods

Metarhizium anisopliae (ESALQ 818 and LEF 2000) blastospores and conidia were first tested against adult Aedes aegypti by spraying insects with spore suspensions. Blastospores were then tested using an indirect contact bioassay, exposing mosquitoes to fungus-impregnated cloths. Virulence when using blastospores suspended in 20% sunflower oil was also investigated.

Results

Female mosquitoes sprayed with blastospores or conidi

SUBMITTER: de Paula AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8555014 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature