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The predatory capability of Arthrobotrys cladodes var. macroides in the control of Haemonchus contortus infective
A Eslami1, S Ranjbar-Bahadori, R Zare
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, P.O. Box 14155-6453 Tehran, Iran. aislami@chamran.ut.ac.ir
Abstract:
One hundred compost samples were examined for the presence of nematophagous fungi on the sheep farms of Mazanderan, province, Iran. Arthrobotrys cladodes var. macroides (IRAN 677C=CBS 143565) was isolated from 3% of the samples examined. Nematophagous activity of this fungus which was shown for the first time in this study, revealed the addition of 1000, 8000, 20000 and 100000 conidia per gram of feces of sheep reduced significantly (P<0.001) the number of Haemonchus contortus infective larvae in the feces by 41.71%, 63, 27%, 73.49% and 94.96%, respectively. These results show that A. cladodes var. macroides is a promising candidate for biological control of H. contortus.
Insights
A novel fungus, Arthrobotrys cladodes var. macroides, effectively reduces Haemonchus contortus larvae in sheep feces. This discovery offers a promising biological control agent for parasitic infections in livestock.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Mycology
Background:
- Nematophagous fungi are natural enemies of parasitic nematodes.
- Haemonchus contortus is a significant gastrointestinal parasite in sheep, causing substantial economic losses.
- Biological control methods are sought to manage parasitic infections in livestock sustainably.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify nematophagous fungi from sheep farm compost in Mazanderan, Iran.
- To evaluate the efficacy of isolated fungi, specifically Arthrobotrys cladodes var. macroides, in controlling Haemonchus contortus infective larvae.
Main Methods:
- Collected and analyzed 100 compost samples from sheep farms.
- Isolated fungi using standard mycological techniques.
- Conducted in vitro experiments to assess the reduction of Haemonchus contortus infective larvae in sheep feces treated with varying concentrations of Arthrobotrys cladodes var. macroides conidia.
Main Results:
- Arthrobotrys cladodes var. macroides was isolated from 3% of the compost samples.
- Significant reduction (P<0.001) in Haemonchus contortus infective larvae was observed with increasing conidial concentrations: 41.71% (1000 conidia/g), 63.27% (8000 conidia/g), 73.49% (20000 conidia/g), and 94.96% (100000 conidia/g).
- The nematophagous activity of Arthrobotrys cladodes var. macroides against H. contortus was demonstrated for the first time.
Conclusions:
- Arthrobotrys cladodes var. macroides is an effective biological control agent against Haemonchus contortus.
- This fungus shows significant potential for sustainable management of ovine parasitic gastroenteritis.
- Further research into field applications is warranted.
