Activity of native and commercial strains of Metarhizium spp. against the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae under different environmental conditions.

摘要: Abstract The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, is a major pest of laying hens with extremely limited control means. To evaluate the potential natural and commercial entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) for use against D. we tested four wild populations gallinae from Israeli farms. genus Aspergillus was identified as most abundant isolates mites. Additionally, eight new Metarhizium belonging to specie M. brunneum were identified. At all sites which mites collected in both seasons, abundance on greater during winter season than summer season. Through indirect inoculations adult examined virulence native species, strain Ma-43 previously described acaropathogenic (Ma-7). All strains caused 56–95% mortality by seven days after inoculation at concentration 5 × 105 conidia per cm2. efficacies Ma-43, Ma-7 promising under optimal abiotic conditions (28°C; 85–100% RH) similar those typically found house (30 °C; 60% RH). Under conditions, efficacy three stains ranged between 85 92%. In contrast, poultry-house 30 40%. incidence mycoses cadavers significantly decreased conditions. These results demonstrate biopesticides. Future research should address suitable delivery methods formulations effective