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Differential Pathogenicity of Metarhizium Blastospores and Conidia Against Larvae of Three Mosquito Species

A M Alkhaibari1, A T Carolino2, J C Bull1

  • 1Department of Biosciences College of Science, Swansea University Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK (717371@swansea.ac.uk; J.C.Bull@swansea.ac.uk; t.butt@swansea.ac.uk).

Journal of Medical Entomology
|April 12, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Metarhizium brunneum fungus against mosquito larvae. Different fungal forms and concentrations showed varying efficacy, suggesting tailored formulations for mixed mosquito populations in pest management.

Area of Science:

  • Entomology
  • Pest Management
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Biorational insecticides, including entomopathogenic fungi, are integral to integrated pest management (IPM).
  • Metarhizium brunneum is a fungus with potential for biological control of insect pests.
  • Mosquitoes pose significant public health risks, necessitating effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the pathogenicity of blastospores and conidia of Metarhizium brunneum ARSEF 4556 against larvae of three key mosquito species.
  • To determine the efficacy of different fungal propagule concentrations and forms for mosquito control.
  • To provide insights for optimizing biorational insecticide formulations for integrated mosquito management.

Main Methods:

  • Laboratory bioassays were conducted using three mosquito species: Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Anopheles stephensi.
  • Larvae were exposed to three concentrations (1 × 10^6, 1 × 10^7, and 1 × 10^8 spores/mL) of Metarhizium brunneum blastospores and conidia.
  • Larval survival rates and time to 50% mortality (LT50) were recorded to evaluate fungal virulence.

Main Results:

  • Pathogenicity varied significantly among mosquito species and fungal propagule types.
  • Aedes aegypti showed lower survival with blastospores, while Culex quinquefasciatus had lower survival with conidia.
  • Anopheles stephensi exhibited similar survival rates for both forms, with blastospores being more virulent at higher doses. A concentration threshold for efficacy was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Metarhizium brunneum demonstrates differential virulence against mosquito larvae, influenced by fungal form and mosquito species.
  • Optimal control may require distinct fungal formulations for mixed mosquito populations, considering species-specific responses.
  • The findings support the use of tailored biorational insecticides in integrated mosquito management programs.
Keywords:
AedesAnophelesCulexentomopathogenic fungivirulence

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