Characterization and evaluation of three new strains of Beauveria bassiana isolated from Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2024 Dec 2;96(suppl 3):e20240879. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202420240879. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Musca domestica L. is a cosmopolitan pest usually reaching high population levels, causing substantial economic losses and also acting as a vector for many diseases. The use of entomopathogenic fungi as a replacement of the chemical insecticides is a possibility already studied. In this study, we isolated three strains of Beauveria bassiana from naturally infected M. domestica individuals and tested their potentiality to act as a biological control agent. The finding of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungal infections indicates that these fungi are well-adapted to the local environment and can survive and thrive under natural conditions, making them promising candidates for biological pest management.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Beauveria* / classification
  • Beauveria* / isolation & purification
  • Houseflies* / microbiology
  • Pest Control, Biological*