Evaluating Mosquito Biocontrol Effectiveness by Isolating and Characterizing Some Fungi Against Culex Pipiens and Anopheles Stephensi in Sothern Part of Iraq

Abstract

Objectives: Isolation Aspergillus tamarii, Cladosporium herbarum, and Verticillium lecanii fungi from naturally infected Culex pipiens and Anopheles stephensi insects were morphologically and molecularly identified. Methods: In this study, populations of mosquitoes were cultured and examined to determine fungal infection and evaluated as potential agents against C. pipiens and A. stephensi. Results: A variety of fungal isolates demonstrated differing degrees of pathogenicity 24 hours after treatment against C. pipiens and A. stephensi eggs, four-instar mosquito larvae, and adults. and as a biological control, it was found that the fungal suspension of each of the used fungi affected the life roles of the two mosquitoes. as it was more than the fungus suspension A. tamarii, Cl. herbarum on V. lecanii. The highest percentage of eggs mortality were (36.72, 48.97) %, (29.14, 42.25) %, and (24.45, 35.70) % of C. pipiens and A. stephensi when using the highest concentration of 1*105 spore/ml, 3*105 spore/ml and 2*105 spore/ml of fungicide A. tamarii, C. herbarum, V.lecanii and respectively after 24 hours. The highest mortality rate was for the fourth larval stages, and the mosquito A. stephensi is more sensitive to type C. pipiens infection., as, in order (75.6, 67.19, 56.8) %, (74.18, 59.81, 50) %, and (65, 52,42.71) %. Conclusions: Results highlight the significance of a mosquito's natural fungal opponent. All isolates had an impact on adults and larvae, although they were less successful against eggs. Both have the potential to develop, particularly against the larvae of the primary arbovirus, malaria, and lymphatic filariasis vectors, A. stephensi, and C. pipiens.