Infection of the Stable Fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, L. 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) by the Entomopathogenic Fungi Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) Negatively Affects Its Survival, Feeding Propensity, Fecundity, Fertility, and Fitness Parameters

• DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2021.637817
• Publication Date: 2021-02-24T06:32:40Z
• Authors: Steve B. S. Baleba; Ayaovi Agbessenou; Merid N. Getahun; Komivi S. Akutse; Sevgan Subramanian; Daniel Masiga
• Keywords: Hypocreales; Stable fly; Entomopathogenic fungus; Metarhizium

Entomopathogenic fungi can cause substantial mortality in harmful insects. Before killing the insect, these pathogens start by negatively affecting biological parameters of host. Prior to our study, information about how fungal exposure affects stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans was still elusive. Therefore, we aimed assess infection S. with some Metarhizium anisopliae strains, and their impact on feeding, fecundity, fertility other life-history traits this fly. Among 11 M. strains screened, identified ICIPE 30 as most virulent strain against calcitrans. We observed that infectivity sex age-dependent. Infected male died earlier than counterpart females. Older infected faster young ones. Also, female successfully transmitted conidia mates. demonstrated extended feeding time consequently reduced probability fly amount blood taken. Using a dual test oviposition bioassay, determined uninfected gravid avoided laying eggs substrates amended conidia. showed could lower hatchability deposited Using, no-choice test, laid fewer females those hatched less. four high concentrations conidia, verified larvae were not susceptible infection. Further, though tolerant infection, there significant effect fitness, contaminated having small bodyweight coupled longer developmental compared uncontaminated larvae. Our study provides detailed biology potential using biopesticide reduce population. Such knowledge assist developing fungal-based control strategies