The role of protists, nematodes and mites as natural control agents of sandfly populations

Abstract

The Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera, Psychodidae) are hematophagous insects of immense medical and veterinary importance. Since World War II, the intensive use of chemicals to suppress and control sandfly populations resulted in development of insecticide resistance and resurgence among the sandfly populations worldwide. The use of chemicals also negatively impacted diverse non-target organisms, overall agroecosystem, crop productivity, human health etc. Due to the multiple adverse effects of the chemical compounds, more eco-friendly approaches have been evaluated. The application of entomopathogenic organisms such as nematodes, protists or mites as biocontrol agents has been vastly explored and applied in the field of forestry and agriculture. In comparison, only a little attention was given to blood-sucking insects such as sandflies. This review summarizes the findings related to the detection and use of entomopathogenic protists, nematodes, and mites in the field of biological control of sandflies. It highlights the potential of these organisms to be further explored and used for biocontrol of immature and adult stages of sandflies.