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

Abstract

Biorational insecticides are being increasingly used in integrated pest management programs. In laboratory bioassays, the pathogenicity of blastospores and conidia of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum ARSEF 4556 was evaluated against larvae of three mosquito species. Three propagule concentrations (1 × 106, 1 × 107, and 1 × 108 spores ml - 1) were used in the bioassays. Results showed that Aedes aegypti had lower survival rates when exposed to blastospores than when exposed to conidia, whereas the converse was true for Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. Anopheles stephensi larvae survival rates were similar when exposed to blastospores and conidia, except at the higher doses, where blastospores were more virulent. Several assays showed little difference in mortalities when using either 1 × 107 or 1 × 108 spores ml - 1, suggesting a threshold above which no higher control levels or economic benefit would be achieved. When tested at the lowest dose, the LT50 of Cx. quinquefasciatus using blastospores, wet conidia, and dry conidia was 3.2, 1.9, and 4.4 d, respectively. The LT50 of Ae. aegypti using blastospores, wet conidia, and dry conidia was 1.3, 3.3, and 6.2 d, respectively. The LT50 of An. stephensi using blastospores, wet conidia, and dry conidia was 2.0, 1.9, and 2.1 d, respectively. These observations suggest that for optimized control, two different formulations of the fungus may be needed when treating areas where there are mixed populations of Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex.

Keywords: Aedes; Anopheles; Culex; entomopathogenic fungi; virulence.