MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

The Impact of Insecticides on Mycelial Growth of Metarhizium spp. and Their Efficacy in Controlling Larvae and Pupae of the House Fly (Musca domestica L.)

Summary

Researchers tested special fungi (Metarhizium spp.) as a natural way to control house flies, which spread diseases and are becoming resistant to common pesticides. They found that two fungal strains were very effective at killing fly larvae and pupae, and these fungi could still grow well when combined with certain insecticides. This means farmers and pest control professionals could use these fungi together with specific pesticides as part of a more sustainable approach to controlling house flies without relying solely on chemicals.

Background

Metarhizium spp. are entomopathogenic fungi with potential as biological control agents for insects within integrated pest management systems. House flies (Musca domestica L.) are significant pests that transmit multiple pathogens and have developed resistance to conventional chemical insecticides. Understanding the compatibility between entomopathogenic fungi and insecticides is crucial for effective pest management.

Objective

This study evaluated 10 Metarhizium spp. isolates for effectiveness against house fly larvae and pupae, and tested the compatibility of the most effective isolates with commonly used insecticides to assess their potential for integrated pest management applications.

Results

NM Met_SS9/2 and NM Met_CLPK4/1 showed the highest infection rates (86.67% and 60.00% for larvae and pupae respectively). Both isolates grew well on PDA with Cypas® 250 EC at 50 mL per 6.25 L without significant growth inhibition compared to control, while Tanidil®-T severely inhibited growth. Spores cultured on PDA with Cypas® 250 EC achieved mortality rates of 93.33% (NM Met_SS9/2) and 75.56% (NM Met_CLPK4/1), comparable to control cultures without insecticides.

Conclusion

NM Met_SS9/2 and NM Met_CLPK4/1 are highly effective against house fly larvae and pupae and can proliferate on media containing Cypas® 250 EC at reduced rates without compromising insecticidal properties. These isolates are promising candidates for integrated pest management strategies combining entomopathogenic fungi with pyrethroid insecticides.
  • Published in:Tropical Life Sciences Research,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.21315/tlsr2025.36.2.6, PMID: 41244239
Scroll to Top