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Updated: Dec 31, 2025
Development of Metarhizium anisopliae as a Mycoinsecticide: From Isolation to Field Performance
Published on: July 30, 2017
Development of a Mycoinsecticide Bait Formulation for the Control of House Flies, Musca domestica L
Dalton Baker1, Steven Rice2, Diana Leemon2
1Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
Abstract:
The control of house flies, Musca domestica (L.), currently relies on the use of chemical insecticide spray and bait formulations. Entomopathogenic fungi, such as Metarhizium anisopliae, may provide an alternative to these products. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a mycoinsecticide bait formulation containing a virulent M. anisopliae isolate. Five M. anisopliae isolates were screened against M. domestica and isolate M16 was selected for bait development. Bait formulations containing a variety of additives, including (Z)-9-tricosene, were tested for their ability to increase fly visitation. A bait formulation containing M. anisopliae and skim milk powder was found to have the highest house fly visitation and was subsequently compared to a conventional chemical bait in an efficacy assay. The chemical bait (0.5% imidacloprid) caused faster mortality than the mycoinsecticide bait, however, similar levels of mortality were achieved by 4-5 days' post exposure. These results suggest that M. anisopliae mycoinsecticide baits may offer an alternative to conventional chemical insecticides for the control of house flies in suitable areas.
Insights
Entomopathogenic fungi offer a potential alternative to chemical insecticides for house fly control. A novel mycoinsecticide bait using Metarhizium anisopliae demonstrated comparable efficacy to chemical baits.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Entomology
- Microbial Control
Background:
- House fly (Musca domestica) control predominantly relies on chemical insecticides.
- Chemicals pose environmental and resistance concerns, necessitating alternative strategies.
- Entomopathogenic fungi present a promising biological control avenue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and assess a mycoinsecticide bait formulation for house fly control.
- To identify virulent Metarhizium anisopliae isolates effective against Musca domestica.
- To optimize bait attractants and evaluate efficacy against chemical alternatives.
Main Methods:
- Screening of five Metarhizium anisopliae isolates against Musca domestica.
- Development of bait formulations with additives like (Z)-9-tricosene and skim milk powder.
- Comparative efficacy assay between the mycoinsecticide bait and a chemical bait (0.5% imidacloprid).
Main Results:
- Metarhizium anisopliae isolate M16 was selected for bait development.
- A bait formulation with M. anisopliae and skim milk powder showed highest house fly visitation.
- Mycoinsecticide bait achieved similar mortality levels to chemical bait within 4-5 days.
Conclusions:
- Metarhizium anisopliae mycoinsecticide baits show potential as an alternative to chemical insecticides.
- The developed bait formulation effectively attracts and controls house flies.
- Further research may support the integration of mycoinsecticides into integrated pest management programs.
