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Antagonistic effect of predacious Arthrobotrys fungi on infective Haemonchus placei larvae

J V Araújo1, M A Santos, S Ferraz

  • 1Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil.

Insights

Predatory fungi, Arthrobotrys conoides and Arthrobotrys robusta, were tested against Haemonchus placei larvae. Isolate variations within A. robusta affected larval trapping, showing potential for biological control of parasitic nematodes.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Mycology
  • Veterinary Parasitology

Background:

  • Haemonchus placei is a parasitic nematode affecting livestock.
  • Predatory fungi offer a biological control approach against parasitic nematodes.
  • Isolates within fungal species can exhibit varying efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Arthrobotrys conoides and Arthrobotrys robusta isolates in trapping and killing Haemonchus placei larvae.
  • To determine if variations exist in the predatory capabilities among different isolates of the same fungal species.

Main Methods:

  • Laboratory experiments were conducted using one isolate of A. conoides and four isolates of A. robusta.
  • Fungal isolates were co-cultured with infective Haemonchus placei larvae in three experimental groups.
  • Larval recovery rates were assessed after 20 days.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in antagonistic effects were observed among three isolates of A. robusta (P < 0.05).
  • No significant difference was found between the A. conoides isolate and A. robusta isolates.
  • Greater recovery of H. placei larvae occurred in the control group (larvae only) compared to the group with fungi and larvae.

Conclusions:

  • There is significant variation in the predatory capacity of different isolates within the Arthrobotrys robusta species.
  • Predatory fungi show potential for controlling Haemonchus placei, but isolate selection is crucial.
  • Further research into isolate-specific efficacy is warranted for developing effective biological control strategies.

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