Use of fungal entomopathogens as a novel triatomine vector control alternative

JUÁREZ M PATRICIA

La Plata

Workshop; Triatomine Genomics and Biology III; 2012

Rhodnius Genome Steering Committee

Use of fungal entomopathogens as a novel triatomine vector control alternative.              Growing levels and expansion of insecticide resistance in Triatoma infestans threatens the effectiveness and sustainability of Chagas disease vector control programs in the Gran Chaco region of South America.      The entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana showed potential as an alternative Chagas disease vector control tool. Fungus spores can effectively infect triatomines and kill them within a few days, reducing the risk to acquire trypanosome parasites by humans. Insecticide-resistant Triatoma infestans bugs were shown to be highly susceptible to fungal infection; and combination of fungi into pheromone–based traps can have a high impact on triatomine insect survival indoor. Based on prior evidence of the participation of T. infestans cuticle in insecticide resistance, together with the ability of entomopathogenic fungi to counter this mechanism, we will discuss the potential of the fungal biopesticide by modeling bug population dynamics after exposure to the fungus.  This presentation will focus on the current development of this novel biological control method and the operational criteria for implementing fungi in integrated vector management (IVM) strategies.