RESUMO

Caves are unique environments characterized by spatial limitations, partial or total absence of direct light, and scarcity of organic carbon and nutrients. Caves are shelters for a variety of adapted animals and microorganisms such as fungi, many of which are still unknown. Amphichorda is a fungal genus belonging to the family Bionectriaceae, which includes cave-dwelling and entomopathogenic species with biotechnological applications. In this study, a new fungal species was identified using morphological and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of the ITS, LSU, and TEF loci, in the Gruta Velha Nova limestone cave located in the Southern Espinhaço Range, Monjolos, Minas Gerais, Brazil. During the exposure of potato dextrose agar plates to the cave environment, an insect from the family Rhaphidophoridae passed by and fed on the culture medium, resulting in three fungal isolates. Phylogenetic analyses showed that these isolates formed a clade distinct from all known species, leading us to introduce a new species, Amphichorda monjolensis, which may be associated with this insect. Here, we also proposed two new combinations for species of acremonium-like fungi in the Bionectriaceae: Bulbithecium globosisporum (synonym: Acremonium globosisporum) and Hapsidospora curva (synonym: Acremonium curvum). The discovery of A. monjolensis highlights the potential of caves as shelters for new species with significant biotechnological importance.

Assuntos

Cavernas , DNA Fúngico , Filogenia , Cavernas/microbiologia , Brasil , DNA Fúngico/genética , Animais , Carbonato de Cálcio , Acremonium/genética , Acremonium/classificação , Acremonium/isolamento & purificação

RESUMO

This is the first record of the fungus Flavocillium subprimulinum in Mexico. The isolate was taxonomically characterised and cultured in potato dextrose broth (PDB), Czapek-Dox broth (CzDoxB), and sweet potato dextrose broth (SPDB) to obtain its filtrates (FLCF). The nematocidal activity (NA) of three FLCF concentrations was assessed against Haemonchus contortus L3. Protease activity (PA) was assessed with SDS-PAGE, followed by a zymogram. The NA of the FLCF reached 94.43% in PDB and 95.82% in CzDoxB, respectively, at 100 mg/mL. Lower mortality (64%) was found in SPDB at 100 mg/mL. SDS-PAGE showed bands (in PBS) of ~25, ~40, and ~55 kDa. The zymogram showed protein bands (PBs) with PA in the media, including PBs of ~14, ~40, and ~55 kDa. This study establishes the basis for exploring the potential use of this fungus against H. contortus, which is considered the most pathogenic parasite affecting lambs.

RESUMO

Fungi belonging to the genus Trichoderma have been widely recognized as efficient controllers of plant diseases. Although the majority of isolates currently deployed, thus far, have been isolated from soil, endophytic Trichoderma spp. is considered to be a promising option for application in biocontrol. In this study, 30 endophytic Trichoderma isolates-obtained from the leaves, stems, and roots of wild Hevea spp. in the Brazilian Amazon-were analyzed using specific DNA barcodes: sequences of internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 of rDNA (ITS region), genes encoding translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α), and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2). The genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition (GCPSR) concept was used for species delimitation. A phylogenetic analysis showed the occurrence of Trichoderma species, such as T. erinaceum, T. ovalisporum, T. koningiopsis, T. sparsum, T. lentiforme, T. virens, and T. spirale. Molecular and morphological features resulted in the discovery of four new species, such as T. acreanum sp. nov., T. ararianum sp. nov., T. heveae sp. nov., and T. brasiliensis sp. nov. The BI and ML analyses shared a similar topology, providing high support to the final trees. The phylograms show three distinct subclades, namely, T. acreanum and T. ararianum being paraphyletic with T. koningiopsis; T. heveae with T. subviride; and T. brasiliensis with T. brevicompactum. This study adds to our knowledge of the diversity of endophytic Trichoderma species in Neotropical forests and reveals new potential biocontrol agents for the management of plant diseases.

RESUMO

Purpureocillium lilacinum (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) is a cosmopolitan fungus not only pathogenic to insect and nematode hosts but also to other fungi. Although having one organism with multiple effects would be desirable in a biocontrol strategy, few studies have looked at the multiple roles one strain could play. This work shows how three strains of P. lilacinum, previously proven to be entomopathogenic to leaf-cutter ants (LCA), could degrade several strains of Leucoagaricus sp., the fungus cultivated by LCA as their food source. We isolated four strains of Leucoagaricus sp. from Acromyrmex and Atta LCA species, and we determined their species molecularly, as well as their clade identity (Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, clade-A). We observed the effects on growth rates on Petri dishes and the interaction of microscopic structures of both fungi on slides. All three P. lilacinum strains inhibited the growth of L. gongylophorus. They also degraded all L. gongylophorus isolated from the Acromyrmex species, causing hyphae expansion and degradation of the cell wall. However, only one of them succeeded in degrading the L. gongylophorus strain isolated from the Atta species. The results confirm the damage to the hyphae of ant cultivars and highlight the need for future studies that reveal whether such behavior is due to P. lilacinum's mycoparasitic behavior. Using a single P. lilacinum strain with a dual function that includes the degradation of the cultivar of LCA of both genera would be a very promising strategy for the biocontrol of one of the worst herbivore pests in the Neotropics.

Assuntos

Formigas , Hypocreales , Animais

RESUMO

AIMS: The American leaf spot, caused by Mycena citricolor, is an important disease of coffee (Coffea arabica), mostly in Central America. Currently, there are limited pathogen control alternatives that are environment friendly and economically accessible. The use of fungi isolated from the plant endomycobiota in their native habitats is on the rise because studies show their great potential for biological control. To begin to generate a green alternative to control M. citricolor, the objectives of the present study were to (i) collect, identify, screen (in vitro and in planta), and select endophytic fungi from wild Rubiaceae collected in old-growth forests of Costa Rica; (ii) confirm endophytic colonization in coffee plantlets; (iii) evaluate the effects of the endophytes on plantlet development; and (iv) corroborate the antagonistic ability in planta. METHODS AND RESULTS: Through in vitro and in planta antagonism assays, we found that out of the selected isolates (i.e. Daldinia eschscholzii GU11N, Nectria pseudotrichia GUHN1, Purpureocillium aff. lilacinum CT24, Sarocladium aff. kiliense CT25, Trichoderma rifaii CT5, T. aff. crassum G1C, T. aff. atroviride G7T, T. aff. strigosellum GU12, and Xylaria multiplex GU14T), Trichoderma spp. produced the highest growth inhibition percentages in vitro. Trichoderma isolates CT5 and G1C were then tested in planta using Coffea arabica cv. caturra plantlets. Endophytic colonization was verified, followed by in planta growth promotion and antagonism assays. CONCLUSIONS: Results show that Trichoderma isolates CT5 and G1C have potential for plant growth promotion and antagonism against Mycena citricolor, reducing incidence and severity, and preventing plant mortality.

Assuntos

Agaricales , Coffea , Rubiaceae , Café , Fungos , Coffea/microbiologia

RESUMO

Entomopathogenic fungi, widely available biological agents used to control agricultural pests, are sporadically reported to cause focal or disseminated infection in reptiles and mammals, including humans. This study summarizes the clinical presentation, histopathological and molecular findings by panfungal polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of four cases of hypocrealean fungal infections in captive common green iguanas (Iguana, iguana). One case of granulomatous pneumonia, hepatitis and serositis was related to Metarhizium flavoviride complex infection. Two disseminated fungal infection cases, with scarce inflammatory cell infiltration, were caused by Beauveria bassiana while there was one case of multifocal granulomatous and necrotizing pneumonia by Purpureocillium spp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of fatal mycosis infection due to entomopathogenic fungi in captive common green iguanas.

Assuntos

Beauveria , Hypocreales , Iguanas , Micoses , Animais , Humanos , Brasil , Micoses/microbiologia , Micoses/veterinária , Mamíferos

RESUMO

Among the management and control tactics of the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari), there is the use of entomopathogenic fungi. Due to the importance of prospecting isolates of entomopathogenic fungi for the control of the coffee berry borer, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of 26 isolates of entomopathogenic fungi in the control of this insect pest in the laboratory. The coffee berry borers were immersed in a solution adjusted to the concentration of 1 to 3 × 108 conidia/mL of each isolate and the control treatment (sterilized water). After seven days total mortality and confirmed mortality were evaluated. The isolates that caused the highest mortality and two commercial isolates were selected for evaluation of lethal concentration (LC50 and LC90) and lethal time (LT50 and LT90). Coffee berry borers were treated at different conidia concentrations for lethal concentration to assess total and confirmed mortality. For a lethal time, the coffee berry borers were treated at the concentration of 108 conidia/mL of the selected isolates, and, after two days and every 24 hours until the eighth day, the number of dead individuals was verified. Among the 26 isolates evaluated, 24 presented mortality higher than the control treatment, and three presented mortality higher than 85%. In the LC50 and LC90 assays, the IBCB 353 and IBCB 364 isolates were more lethal to H. hampei. In the LT50 and LT90 assays, the IBCB 66 and IBCB 353 isolates caused lethality in a shorter time.

Assuntos

Bioensaio/métodos , Controle Biológico de Vetores , Gorgulhos , Fungos , Fabaceae/parasitologia

RESUMO

Immature stages of insects are vulnerable to various antagonists, including pathogens. While the abiotic factors affecting pathogen prevalence in insect populations are reasonably well documented, much less is known about relevant ecological interactions. We studied the probability of the larvae of three lepidopteran species to die from fungal infection as a function of insect species and food plants in central Argentina. Local free-growing food plants were used to feed the lepidopteran larvae. The prevalence of entomopathogenic fungi remained low (about 5%), which is a value well consistent with observations on similar systems in other regions. Eight fungal species recorded, primarily belonging to Fusarium and Aspergillus, add evidence to the reconsideration of the nutritional modes in these genera in distinguishing the role of some species (complexes) to cause insect infections. Food plant species were found to have a substantial effect on the prevalence of entomopathogenic fungi. This was especially clear for the most abundant fungal species, a representative of the Fusarium fujikuroi complex. Feeding on a particular plant taxon can thus have a specific fitness cost. Compared to the data collected from Northern Europe, the Argentinian assemblages from the families Aspergillaceae and Nectriaceae overlapped at the genus level but did not share species. It remains to be confirmed if this level of divergence in the composition of assemblages of entomopathogenic fungi among distant regions represents a global pattern.

RESUMO

Recent studies have shown that entomopathogenic fungi, as endophytes, can have beneficial effects on plants, protecting them from defoliating insects. The potential of endophytic association by entomopathogenic fungi with the peanut crop has been little explored. In our study, we conducted experiments by inoculation of peanut seeds through a soil drench method with nine strains/species of entomopathogenic fungi of the genera Metarhizium, Beauveria and Cordyceps, subsequently these plants were consumed by two larval pests, Chrysodeixis includens and Spodoptera cosmioides. The parameters of larval growth rates, mortality, foliar consumption and larval period were observed during the development of larvae. In addition, the endophytic capacity of these fungi in peanut plants and their persistence in soil were investigated. In two replicate greenhouse trials for each larva, peanut plants were inoculated with fungi by the soil-drench method. We evaluated the performance of C. includens and S. cosmioides feeding on inoculated peanut plants starting at the 2nd larval instar. The larval and pupal weights of C. includens and S. cosmioides were significantly different among the fungal treatment groups, where insects feeding on control plants exhibited higher larval and pupal weights than insects feeding on treated plants. The differences in larval period showed that Control larvae pupated faster than the larvae fed on fungal-inoculated plants, fungal treatments had a larval period of 3 to 5 days more than the control. The mortality rates of C. includens and S. cosmioides were significantly different among the fungal treatment groups, insects fed on Control plants exhibited higher survival than insects fed on fungal-inoculated plants. The persistence of all Metarhizium fungi was higher in the soil compared to other fungi, and only Metarhizium and B. bassiana IBCB215 emerged from the phyllosphere of peanut plants. Although the fungus Cordyceps presented the worst performance among the fungal treatments. Overall, our results demonstrate the negative effects on the development of C. includens and S. cosmioides that were fed on fungal-inoculated peanut plants, the best results recorded were for Metarhizium strains and the fungus B. bassiana IBCB215.

RESUMO

Eusocial insects interact with a diversity of parasites that can threaten their survival and reproduction. The amount of harm these parasites cause to their hosts (i.e., their virulence) can be influenced by numerous factors, such as the ecological context in which the parasite and its host are inserted. Leaf-cutting ants (genera Atta, Acromyrmex and Amoimyrmex, Attini: Formicidae) are an example of a eusocial insect whose colonies are constantly threatened by parasites. The fungi Escovopsis and Escovopsioides (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) are considered a highly virulent parasite and an antagonist, respectively, to the leaf-cutting ants' fungal cultivar, Leucoagaricus gongylophorus (Basidiomycota: Agaricales). Since Escovopsis and Escovopsioides are common inhabitants of healthy colonies that can live for years, we expect them to have low levels of virulence. However, this virulence could vary depending on ecological context. We therefore tested two hypotheses: (i) Escovopsis and Escovopsioides are of low virulence to colonies; (ii) virulence increases as colony complexity decreases. For this, we used three levels of complexity: queenright colonies (fungus garden with queen and workers), queenless colonies (fungus garden and workers, without queen) and fungus gardens (without any ants). Each was inoculated with extremely high concentrations of conidia of Escovopsis moelleri, Escovopsioides nivea, the mycoparasitic fungus Trichoderma longibrachiatum or a blank control. We found that these fungi were of low virulence to queenright colonies. The survival of queenless colonies was decreased by E. moelleri and fungus gardens were suppressed by all treatments. Moreover, E. nivea and T. longibrachiatum seemed to be less aggressive than E. moelleri, observed both in vivo and in vitro. The results highlight the importance of each element (queen, workers and fungus garden) in the leaf-cutting ant-fungus symbiosis. Most importantly, we showed that Escovopsis may not be virulent to healthy colonies, despite commonly being described as such, with the reported virulence of Escovopsis being due to poor colony conditions in the field or in laboratory experiments.

RESUMO

Hosts can be manipulated by parasites to move to locations advantageous for onward transmission. To investigate the role of behavioral manipulation in creating transmission hotspots, we studied the distribution of zombie turtle ants in the Amazon rainforest. The turtle ant Cephalotes atratus nests and mostly forages in the canopy, but is found at the base of trees when infected with the zombie ant fungus Ophiocordyceps kniphofioides. We found 626 infected cadavers on 14.8% of 162 trees sampled. Cadavers were highly aggregated on the surface of the trees, explained by behavioral observations indicating infected ants as slightly attracted to zombie ant cadavers on a tree. From 1,726 h of camera footage, we recorded the removal of three zombie ant cadavers by live ants. The number of removals compared to the density of infected individuals indicates the base of a tree as an escape from the evolved ability of social insects to recognize and treat disease inside the nest, allowing the parasite to continuously remain in the environment.

Assuntos

Formigas/fisiologia , Interações Hospedeiro-Patógeno , Hypocreales/fisiologia , Animais , Formigas/microbiologia , Brasil , Comportamento Social , Árvores

RESUMO

We aimed to evaluate the selectivity of entomopathogenic fungi to larvae of Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). For this purpose, Beauveria bassiana (strain ESALQ PL63), Metarhizium anisopliae (strain ESALQ E9) and Metarhizium rileyi (strain UFMS 03) were assessed at different concentrations (1 × 107, 1 × 108 and 1 × 109 conidia mL-1). The control treatment consisted of distilled water and Tween80 0.01. The treatments were applied with a Potter spray tower using two different methodologies: direct application (DA) and dry film (DF). Up to 96 h after application, no treatment provided a larval mortality above 3%. After 120 h, only B. bassiana induced significant mortality in all instars, with rates of 26%, 17% and 10% for first, second and third instar larval periods, respectively. There was no difference regarding to the application method or concentration of conidia. The percentage of individuals that revealed changes in the length of the larval and pupal periods varied among different treatments with entomopathogenic fungi and control treatments, application methodologies and concentrations. Despite B. bassiana revealing a higher mortality than M. anisopliae and M. rileyi on larvae of C. externa, these three entomopathogenic fungi may be used in association with C. externa for sustainable pest management.

RESUMO

The European pepper moth, Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a key pest in strawberry production. Entomopathogenic fungi (EF) and parasitoids of the Trichogrammatidae family are effective biological control agents of this pest with the potential to be used jointly for improved efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the susceptibility of Trichogramma atopovirilia and Trichogramma pretiosum to two Beauveria bassiana strains (B2 and B3) and two commercial bioinsecticides (Bovemax® and Methamax®) by applying them to D. fovealis eggs in pre- and post-parasitism periods. Pre-parasitism application of B2 and B3 did not affect the percentage of D. fovealis eggs parasitized by either Trichogramma species, except in the case of T. atopovirilia when eggs were sprayed with B3 at 1.5 × 105 conidia mL-1 (16.7% less than the control). In contrast, eggs sprayed with 1.5 × 108 conidia mL-1 of the commercial bioinsecticides were not parasitized by any Trichogramma species. Overall, the EF tested reduced the parasitism rate, adult emergence, and longevity of Trichogramma adults by less than 30% in all cases. The adverse effects of the B. bassiana strains and commercial products on the biological traits of both Trichogramma species were minimal, meaning that these agents can be used jointly in D. fovealis control strategies.

RESUMO

The genus Gliocephalotrichum (Nectriaceae), originally described as a soil-borne fungus, has been associated with postharvest diseases, especially of tropical fruits. Taxonomic studies using both morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses have contributed to recognition of novel species in several countries. However, in Brazil, only three isolates of Gliocephalotrichum have been collected from soil samples and roots since the late 1970s. Our study expands the sample range using many Gliocephalotrichum isolates obtained from rotting fruits of tropical plant species in different states of Brazil. Polyphasic taxonomy was assessed with phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from four nuclear loci, morphological comparisons, and pathogenicity tests. As a result, three known species (G. bulbilium, G. longibrachium, and G. simplex) were identified from new hosts and locations in Brazil. In addition, three new species are described-G. abrachium, G. brasiliense, and G. caryocaris. A key to all Gliocephalotrichum species worldwide is provided. Although species of Gliocephalotrichum have not been considered to be important plant pathogens, this study shows they may cause postharvest fruit rot in tropical fruits and therefore have an impact in communities that depend economically on the harvest and sale of these fruits.

Assuntos

Frutas/microbiologia , Hypocreales/classificação , Hypocreales/citologia , Hypocreales/genética , Filogenia , Doenças das Plantas , Raízes de Plantas/microbiologia , Anacardiaceae/microbiologia , Brasil , Garcinia/microbiologia , Malpighiales/microbiologia , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Microbiologia do Solo

RESUMO

Ophiocordyceps dominicanus Poinar & Vega sp. nov. in Dominican amber and Polycephalomyces baltica Poinar & Vega sp. nov. (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) in Baltic amber are described as entomopathogenic fungi of bark lice (Psocoptera). The specimens possess several features unknown in extant synnematous entomopathogenic fungi such as a tubular dark synnema with a straight, pointed tip bearing spores over the entire surface in O. dominicanus, and a globular yellowish synnema developing on the tip of the host's antenna in P. baltica. These are the only known fossil entomopathogenic fungi of bark lice, making them unique not only for their characters but also in respect to their selection of developmental sites on their bark lice hosts.

RESUMO

Modern genome analysis and phylogenomic methods have increased the number of fungal species, as well as enhanced appreciation of the degree of diversity within the fungal kingdom. In this context, we describe a new Parengyodontium species, P. americanum, which is phylogenetically related to the opportunistic human fungal pathogen P. album. Five unusual fungal isolates were recovered from five unique and confirmed coccidioidomycosis patients, and these isolates were subsequently submitted to detailed molecular and morphological identification procedures to determine identity. Molecular and morphological diagnostic analyses showed that the isolates belong to the Cordycipitaceae. Subsequently, three representative genomes were sequenced and annotated, and a new species, P. americanum, was identified. Using various genomic analyses, gene family expansions related to novel compounds and potential for ability to grow in diverse habitats are predicted. A general description of the genomic composition of this newly described species and comparison of genome content with Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea and Cordyceps militaris shows a shared core genome of 6371 genes, and 148 genes that appear to be specific for P. americanum. This work provides the framework for future investigations of this interesting fungal species.

Assuntos

Coccidioidomicose/microbiologia , Hypocreales , Beauveria/genética , Cordyceps/genética , Proteínas Fúngicas/genética , Genoma Fúngico , Humanos , Hypocreales/classificação , Hypocreales/citologia , Hypocreales/genética , Hypocreales/isolamento & purificação , Infecções Oportunistas/microbiologia , Filogenia , Proteômica

RESUMO

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interactions between Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) and the eggs and first-instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner 1805) infected by entomopathogenic fungi. The H. armigera eggs and larvae were treated with sterile distilled water + 0.01% Tween 80 (T1, control), Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill (T2), Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok (T3), or Metarhizium rileyi (Farlow) Samson. (T4) at different concentrations (1 × 107, 1 × 108, and 1 × 109 con. mL-1). For each treatment, a single third-instar C. externa was offered prey (a combination of 80 eggs and 50 first-instar H. armigera larvae) at 0, 24, and 48 h after inoculation. Ten trials were completed for each treatment, and the entire experiment was repeated three times. Neither the concentrations of fungi nor the application method affected consumption by C. externa. Because all the predator larvae reached the pupal phase, with 100% viability in adults, these results suggest that entomopathogenic fungi and C. externa are compatible and that the simultaneous use of these biological control agents is possible for managing H. armigera.

RESUMO

The aim of this study was to search for entomopathogenic fungi that infect wild cockroaches in forest ecosystems in two protected natural areas of Argentina. Two isolates of Metarhizium argentinense were obtained and identified from wild cockroaches (Blaberidae: Epilamprinae) through the use of morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses. This novel species was found in Argentina and is a member of the Metarhizium flavoviride species complex. Phylogenetic analyses, based on sequence similarity analysis using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and a set of four protein-coding marker sequences (EF1A, RPB1, RPB2 and BTUB), supported the status of this fungus as a new species. In addition, we tested the biological activity of the new species through assays against Blattella germanica nymphs and found that the two evaluated isolates were pathogenic. However, isolate CEP424 was more virulent and caused a confirmed mortality of 76 % with a median lethal time of 7.2 d. This study reports the southernmost worldwide location of a Metarhizium species that infects cockroaches and will help expand the knowledge of the biodiversity of pathogenic fungi of Argentine cockroaches.

Assuntos

Baratas/microbiologia , Metarhizium/classificação , Metarhizium/isolamento & purificação , Animais , Argentina , DNA Fúngico/química , DNA Fúngico/genética , DNA Espaçador Ribossômico/química , DNA Espaçador Ribossômico/genética , Florestas , Proteínas Fúngicas/genética , Metarhizium/genética , Metarhizium/patogenicidade , Técnicas Microbiológicas , Filogenia

RESUMO

Entomopathogenic fungi play a central role in Brazil's biopesticide market. Approximately 50% of registered microbial biopesticides comprise mycoinsecticides and/or mycoacaricides consisting of hypocrealean fungi, with most based on Metarhizium anisopliae sensu stricto (s. str.) and Beauveria bassiana s. str. These fungi are mainly used to control spittlebugs in sugarcane fields and whiteflies in row crops, respectively, with annual applications surpassing three million hectares. Research also emphasizes the potential of fungal entomopathogens to manage arthropod vectors of human diseases. Most registered fungal formulations comprise wettable powders or technical (non-formulated) products, with relatively few new developments in formulation technology. Despite the large area treated with mycoinsecticides (i.e., approx. 2 million ha of sugarcane treated with M. anisopliae and 1.5 million ha of soybean treated with B. bassiana), their market share remains small compared with the chemical insecticide market. Nevertheless, several major agricultural companies are investing in fungus-based products with the aim at achieving more sustainable IPM programs for major pests in both organic and conventional crops. Government and private research groups are pursuing innovative technologies for mass production, formulation, product stability and quality control, which will support cost-effective commercial mycoinsecticides. Here, we summarize the status of mycoinsecticides currently available in Brazil and discuss future prospects.

Assuntos

Agentes de Controle Biológico , Fungos , Controle de Insetos , Controle Biológico de Vetores , Agricultura/tendências , Animais , Beauveria , Agentes de Controle Biológico/farmacologia , Brasil , Produtos Agrícolas , Composição de Medicamentos , Alimentos Orgânicos , Fungos/isolamento & purificação , Fungos/patogenicidade , Hemípteros/efeitos dos fármacos , Hemípteros/microbiologia , Controle de Insetos/métodos , Controle de Insetos/tendências , Insetos Vetores/efeitos dos fármacos , Insetos Vetores/microbiologia , Insetos/efeitos dos fármacos , Insetos/microbiologia , Metarhizium , Ortópteros/efeitos dos fármacos , Ortópteros/microbiologia , Controle Biológico de Vetores/métodos , Controle Biológico de Vetores/tendências , Saccharum , Glycine max

RESUMO

AIMS: To survey and to characterize entomopathogenic fungi as natural enemies of mosquitoes in Central Brazil. METHODS AND RESULTS: Tolypocladium cylindrosporum (Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) was isolated for the first time in South America by using Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae) as sentinel larvae in a stagnant mosquito breeding site in a secondary tropical forest. Two isolates were morphologically and molecularly identified, and their activity tested against A. aegypti eggs, larvae and adults. CONCLUSIONS: Findings emphasize the importance of T. cylindrosporum as a natural fungal antagonist of mosquitoes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Both isolates affected larvae and adults but were less effective against eggs; both have potential for development as a mycoinsecticide especially against larvae of A. aegypti the main vector of dengue, chikungunya, Zika and urban yellow fever.

Assuntos

Aedes , Hypocreales , Controle de Mosquitos/métodos , Mosquitos Vetores , Animais , Brasil , Larva