Evaluation of a granular formulation containing Metarhizium brunneum F52 (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) microsclerotia in controlling eggs of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Flor-Weiler, Lina B.; Behle, Robert W.; Johnson, Eric T.; Strickman, Daniel A.; Rooney, Alejandro P.
• Is Part Of: Biocontrol science and technology. Volume 29:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 68
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Metarhizium brunneum -- microsclerotia -- eclosion -- Aedes aegypti; Pests -- Biological control -- Periodicals; Weeds -- Biological control -- Periodicals; Pesticides -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Plants, Protection of -- Periodicals; Plants -- Biological control -- Periodicals; Agricultural pests -- Control -- Periodicals; Pest Control, Biological -- Periodicals; 632.96
• DOI: 10.1080/09583157.2018.1530342
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-3157

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We evaluated the potential of a granular formulation of Metarhizium brunneum F52 containing microsclerotia ( Mb MSc granules) for control of Aedes aegypti by targeting eggs. Mb MSc granules produced infective conidia within 14 days after application to 2.5 g moist potting soil, producing 5.9 × 10 5, 2.08 × 10 6 and 6.85 × 10 6 conidia from 1, 5 and 25 mg Mb MSc granules, respectively. Application of Mb MSc triggered premature eclosion of eggs (EC50 = 12 mg) with percentages as high as 31 ± 2.9% and 67 ± 4.3% of the eggs treated with 5 and 25 mg Mb MSc granules, respectively, after 14 days on moist filter paper. Premature eclosion of eggs started at 3 days subsequent to Mb MSc granule application and survival of larvae was significantly reduced for granule treated eggs (74 ± 2.2%, 39 ± 2.0% and 23 ± 4.9% larvae survived for 1, 5 and 25 mg granule treatments, respectively, EC50 = 4.9 mg). When Mb MSc granules were applied in moist potting soil with mosquito eggs, rates of 1, 5 and 25 mg of Mb MSc granules significantly reduced adult emergence with only 81 ± 2.1%, 47 ± 1.9%, and 34 ± 2.1% emergence, respectively (EC50 = 7 mg). Eggs treated with increasing concentrations of fungal conidia enhanced premature eclosion of eggs with an EC50 = 1.6 × 10 6 conidia/mL. Our results demonstrate that Mb MSc granules are a promising candidate for control of A. aegypti and that fermentative production of Mb F52 microsclerotia as the active propagule has the potential for use for mosquito control.