Isolation and efficacy of entomopathogenic fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae) for the control of Aedes albopictus Skuse larvae: suspected dengue vector in Pakistan.

Objective: To isolate the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (M. anisopliae) in the local environment, and evaluate its efficacy against the suspected dengue vector Aedes albopictus in Pakistan.

Methods: According to the standard procedure, M. anisopliae was isolated from the dead mosquitoes which were collected from the field or dead after the collection. Bioassay was performed to determine its efficacy.

Results: The results indicated that M. anisopliae had larvicidal effect with LC50 value 1.09×10(5) and LC90 value 1.90×10(13) while it took 45.41 h to kill 50% of tested population.

Conclusions: Taking long time to kill 50% population when compare with the synthetic insecticides, is the only drawback for the use of entomopathogenic fungus but these bio-pesticides are safe for the use.