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Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus
Published on: June 6, 2025
Oomycetes: Lagenidium giganteum
1Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
|September 15, 2007
Summary
Lagenidium giganteum is a mosquito parasite that infects larvae. Its use is limited by environmental factors, but increased yields of its sexual stage could enable widespread mosquito control.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Microbial control
- Parasitology
Background:
- Lagenidium giganteum is a facultative oomycete parasite of mosquito larvae.
- Infection begins with biflagellate zoospores attaching to and penetrating the larval cuticle.
- The parasite proliferates, killing the host within 24-60 hours.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the life cycle and application potential of Lagenidium giganteum for mosquito control.
- To identify limitations and potential for optimization of Lagenidium giganteum as a biological control agent.
Main Methods:
- Review of Lagenidium giganteum life cycle, including asexual and sexual reproduction.
- Analysis of environmental factors affecting zoospore production and parasite efficacy.
- Assessment of current registered formulations and future production needs.
Main Results:
- Lagenidium giganteum exhibits a long-term recycling capability (8-10 years) post-application.
- Zoospore production is inhibited by temperature extremes (<16°C or >32°C) and moderate salinity/organic load.
- Three L. giganteum formulations are registered with the USEPA.
Conclusions:
- Environmental limitations currently restrict operational use of Lagenidium giganteum for mosquito control.
- Significant increases (approx. 100-fold) in sexual stage yields are required for widespread application.
- Further research into optimizing culture conditions is necessary for effective biological mosquito management.
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