[PS02-48] Investigating the virulence and sublethal effects of Beauveria pseudobassiana on oral administration to adult Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) effectively control insecticide-resistant mosquito populations. Potential of EPF for oral infection in adult mosquitoes remain unexplored. In this study, we used 5 highly virulent isolates on integument infection of mosquitoes, and they were assessed by oral administration to Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi. After checking pathogenicity, Beauveria pseudobassiana 42-51 is administered orally to evaluate sub-lethal effects on both adult mosquito species. Fifty-nine % and 46 % reduction of blood feeding were recorded in Ae. aegypti and An. stephensi respectively. The number of egg laying significantly reduced 56 % (Ae. aegypti) and 60 % (An. stephensi). Poor and abnormal follicle development was observed in both mosquito species. Behavioral change on odor (CO2) attraction was observed and 39-38 % reduction of attraction rate was recorded. Our study shows that B. pseudobassiana 42-51 can control both mosquito species as direct lethal effect, and it has potential of sub-lethal effects via oral infection.