Pathogenicity of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Deuteromycetes) to Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae).
The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae is highly pathogenic to the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis. Spore concentrations of 10(8)/ml for engorged larvae and 10(7)/ml for engorged females resulted in 100% tick mortality, 2 wk postinfection. The LC50 value for engorged larvae (concentration to kill 50% of ticks) was 10(7) spores/ml. Metarhizium anisopliae shows considerable potential as a microbial control agent for the management of Ixodes scapularis.
Zhioua
E
E
Plant Sciences Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston 02881, USA.
Browning
M
M
Johnson
P W
PW
Ginsberg
H S
HS
LeBrun
R A
RA
D000818:Animals; D001096:Arachnid Vectors / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D018884:Ixodes / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007814:Larva / Q000382:microbiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D003904:Mitosporic Fungi / Q000472:pathogenicity* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010572:Pest Control, Biological; D013172:Spores, Fungal / Q000472:pathogenicity