Pathogenicity and Transgenerational Effects of Metarhizium anisopliae on the Demographic Parameters of Aedes albopictus (Culicidae: Diptera)

Abstract

Dengue fever is a vector-borne infectious disease that spreads swiftly and threatens human lives in several tropical countries. Most of the strategies employed for the control of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) involve synthetic chemicals. The indiscriminate use of synthetic chemicals has led to the development of resistance and is unsafe for human and environmental health. Therefore, there is a need to develop ecologically safe tactics, such as the use of the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff 1879) (Met-11.1). The following study investigated the effectiveness of EPF-Met-11.1 on different demographic parameters of Ae. albopictus. Mortality bioassays showed 92.5% mortality when adult Ae. albopictus were treated with M. anisopliae. Metarhizium anisopliae absorbs the hemolymph sugar which results in retarded development. Metarhizium anisopliae LC50 not only affected the parental generation (F0) but also affected the demographic parameters of the offspring (F1). Transgenerational results (F1) with Met-11.1 showed decreased net reproductive rates (Ro), intrinsic rates of increase (r), and mean generation times (T) compared to those of uninfected controls. The larval developmental duration in the treatment group was 8.22 d, compared to 8.00 d in the control. There was a significant decrease in mean fecundity in the treated group (208.87 eggs) compared to that of the control group (360.27 eggs), and adult longevity was also significantly reduced in the treated group. Therefore, it is concluded that M. anisopliae can have lasting effects on the developmental parameters of Ae. albopictus, indicating that it can be an integral part of mosquito control strategies.

Metarhizium Anisopliae Challenges Immunity and Demography of Plutella xylostella

“…During the invasion of pathogens ( M. anisopliae ) the body temperature of insects rises to encounter the infection but this, in turn, affects the larval stadium [ 77 ] supporting the current findings where reduced larval duration was observed. M. anisopliae absorbs hemolymph sugar content from tracheoles, reducing nutrients and leading toward early pupation, prolonged pupal duration [ 35 , 78 ], reduced percent pupation, and percent emergence in different insect pests [ 2 , 79 , 80 ] supporting the findings reported in a study presented here. Besides intrusion in immature stages, the adults are also affected in the form of shorter life span, an observation supported by previous findings where reduced adult age and fecundity were reported [ 43 , 57 , 80 , 81 ].…”

“…IPM strategies employed to control this pest has been focused primarily on the use of chemical insecticides [ 8 ]. Compared to synthetic insecticides, pathogenic fungi are promising biocontrol agents for various insect pests and exhibit efficient capabilities for insecticide-resistant pests with fewer environmental hazards [ 2 , 16 ]. The study presented here evaluated three different types of entomopathogenic fungi for larval mortality in P. xylostella .…”

“…Entomopathogenic fungi are naturally existing microbial control agents that effectively regulate the insect pest populations [ 1 , 2 ]. Several entomopathogenic fungi have been used to control insect pests from different orders such as Diptera [ 3 , 4 ], Hemiptera [ 5 ], Coleoptera [ 6 ], Homoptera [ 7 ], and Lepidoptera [ 8 ].…”

Assessment of Lethal, Sublethal, and Transgenerational Effects of Beauveria bassiana on the Demography of Aedes albopictus (Culicidae: Diptera)

“…albopictus and Culex spp. showed 80-90% adult mortality after treatment of EPF [23,40,56,57]. Due to the least LC 50 and high adulticidal activity, Bb-01 was selected for further studies to assess its transgenerational effects on the filial and first filial generation of Ae.…”

Larvicidal, Ovicidal, Synergistic, and Repellent Activities of Sophora alopecuroides and Its Dominant Constituents Against Aedes albopictus

“…albopictus has been reported as the most important and primary vector of infectious diseases in urban areas [7]. Poor drainage conditions, unsanitary management of solid wastes, and favorable climatic conditions are the main factors that contribute to the increase of mosquito breeding places [8,9]. On the other hand, large-scale use of synthetic insecticides for the control of mosquitoes has led to the development of resistance in Botanical Formation S. alopecuroides extract (SAE) was prepared by following the method of Wiwattanapatapee [43] using a simple mixing procedure.…”