Entomopathogenic fungi against South American tick species

Abstract

Ticks are parasites of serious concern for humans, domesticated animals and wild animals. Despite scientific advances, in South America the principal control method for ticks is the use of chemical acaricides. Indiscriminate use of these products causes environmental pollution, food contamination and development of tick resistance to acaricides. In vitro studies and field trials have demonstrated that pathogenic fungal isolates not only cause mortality of many tick species, but also reduce subsequent generations due to effects on their reproductive efficacy. Accordingly, this review presents results of several studies which were conducted in South America. Furthermore, it outlines current information on fungal pathogens of ticks and discusses the need to develop and implement effective strategies for use of entomopathogenic fungi to control ticks in the near future.

Endophytic and entomopathogenic strains of Beauveria sp to control the bovine tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

“…However, comparing assay results is difficult due to variations in methods and use of different fungal isolates. Experiments under laboratory conditions (controlled temperature, humidity, day-light period) show more consistent results than do similar experiments under natural conditions, and laboratory bioassays are expected to indicate the most virulent isolates, and therefore those with greatest potential for biological control (Onofre et al, 2001;Pirali-Kheirabadi et al, 2007;Fernandes and Bittencourt, 2008). There are several groups of organisms that attack not only R.…”

“…decoloratus, and have potential as biocontrol agents. Among these organisms that are potential biological control agents for ticks, entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and M. flavoviride appear to be satisfactory acaricides (Bittencourt et al, 1997;Monteiro et al, 1998;Pirali-Kheirabadi et al, 2007;Fernandes and Strains of Beauveria to control R. (B.)…”

“…(B.) microplus Bittencourt, 2008;Lubeck et al, 2008;Gindin et al, 2009), being effective against ticks such as Ixodes scapularis, Oligonynchus yothersi, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, R. sanguineus, Hyalomma excavatum, and Amblyomma variegatum under laboratory and field conditions (Oliveira et al, 2002;Leemon et al, 2008). The entomopathogenic B. bassiana is usually found infecting insects.…”

Evaluación in vitro de Cordyceps bassiana (Ascomycota: Sordariomycetes) en el Control Biológico de Rhipicephalus microplus

“…Se aplicó la técnica de inmersión de garrapatas adultas en una solución con la cepa BbF2011 de C. bassiana en concentraciones de 1x10 4 , 1x10 6 y 1x10 8 conidias/ml (30 garrapatas por tratamiento). Las garrapatas tratadas a una concentración de 1x10 8 conidias/ml alcanzaron el 100% de mortalidad al día 15 postratamiento (PT), mientras que las concentraciones 1x10 6 y 1x10 4 conidias/ml lo obtuvieron en los días 18 y 21 PT, respectivamente (p<0.05). La mortalidad fue directamente proporcional a la concentración de C. bassiana.…”

Effects of destruxin A on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae)

“…Biological control is an alternative to the use of chemical acaricides. Of all the entomopathogenic fungal genera and species that have been tested, Metarhizium anisopliae is among the most often investigated, because of its potential for controlling tick species worldwide (FERNANDES; BITTENCOURT, 2008).…”