Promising Lecanicillium lecanii strains for the biological control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Canestrini

Abstract

Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimmerman) Zare & Gams [= Verticillium lecanii (Zimmerman) Viégas] fungus is reported as a parasite of arthropods, plant pathogens and others in tropical and subtropical areas. Six Cuban native strains of L. lecanii belonging to the collection of the Plant Mycology Laboratory at National Center for Animal and Plant Health (CENSA) were evaluated against the engorged females Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus by the adult immersion test. The parasitic action of three entomopathogenic fungi strains on engorged females was evidenced with a significant decrease in the oviposition rate. Their parasitism on fresh eggs of this parasite was also determined decreasing their hatching rate. Koch’s postulates confirmed their identity. These results are encouraging and this research line is being carrying out at the Veterinary Parasitology and Plant Mycology Laboratories at CENSA, in order to obtain an effective product against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.