Virulency of Verticillium sp. against mosquito vectors for malaria, filarial, and dengue

ObjectiveEntomopathogenic fungi like Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae have been significantly pathogenic for mosquito vectors. Although few have been used for control. Moreover, the genus Verticillium encompasses a cosmopolitan group of ascomycete fungi. It is a major plant pathogen and parasitic on other fungi and insects.MethodsThe culture filtrates released from the Verticillium lecanii (MTCC 3692) were grown potato carrot broth media. These filtrates were purified with Whatman-1 filter paper and flash chromatograph respectively.ResultsThe results demonstrated LC50, LC90, and LC99 values of 0.6, 4.2, and 4.86, for Culex quinquefasciatus, and 1.3, 2.32, and 3.36 (μL/cm2) for Anopheles stephensi after exposure for 10 h. LT90 values were 6.76 for Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles stephensi 3.54 for Anopheles stephensi. Moreover, the Aedes aegypti were completely susceptible at all selected doses.ConclusionsThe fungal culture filtrates of Verticillium sp. can reduce malaria, dengue, and filarial transmission on a par with chemical insecticides providing efficient delivery system can be developed.