Fungal formulations to control Rhipicephalus sanguineus engorged females.

Entomopathogenic fungi are promising alternatives to chemical acaricides in controlling tick populations; however, biological formulations are required to improve conidial performance of these pathogens in the field. This study evaluated the effect of in vitro treatment of Rhipicephalus sanguineus with conidial formulations of Beauveria bassiana (Bb) or Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma). Conidia were formulated (at 10(8) conidia mL(-1)) in (1) emulsifiable concentrate (EC), (2) polymerized cellulose gel (PCG), or both (3) emulsifiable concentrate and polymerized cellulose gel combined (EC+PCG).

[Development of the fungi Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff, 1879) Sorokin, 1883 and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, 1912 on the Ctenophephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835)].

The flea Ctenocephalides felis felis is a parasite that causes allergic dermatitis and also may transmit etiologic agents to domestic animals and humans. This study investigated by scanning electron microscopy the development of entomopathogenic fungi on flea cuticle. Fleas were exposed to conidia (10(8) ml(-1)) of Metarhizium anisopliae (isolate 959) or Beauveria bassiana (isolate 986).

[In vitro patogenicity of the fungi Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff, 1879) Sorokin, 1883, on the tick Boophilus microplus (Canestrini,1887)].

The cattle tick Boophilus microplus is a serious concern to the Brazilian cattle industry. It causes decreased meat and milk production, low alimentary conversion, damage to leather and transmission of pathogens. The use of entomopathogenic fungi as biological control agents for ticks has shown promising results.

[In vitro pathogenicity of fungic formulation on nymphs and adults of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreile, 1806) (Acari:Ixodidae)].

Rhipicephalus sanguineus is responsible for transmitting several pathogenic agents, such as: Babesia sp. and Ehrlichia sp..