Entomopathogenic fungi with biological control potential against poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae, Arachnida: Dermanyssidae).

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (Arachnida: Dermanyssidae) is a pest that causes significant economic loss in laying hens for which control methods are limited. In this study, the effects of 20 indigenous fungal strains on poultry red mites in chicken farms were investigated. All experiments were conducted under laboratory condition at 28 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 5% humidity. A screening test showed that Metharizium flavoviride strain As-2 and Beauveria bassiana strain Pa4 had the greatest measured effect on D. gallinae at 1 × 107 conidia/ml 7 days after application. In a subsequent does-response experiment, these strains also caused 92.7% mortality at 1 × 109 conidia/ml within the same period. The LC50 of these strains was 5.5 × 104 (95% CI: 0.8-37.5) conidia/ml for As-2 and 3.2 × 104 (95% CI: 0.4-26.0) conidia/ml for Pa4, and their LT50 were 1.94 and 1.57 days, respectively. The commercial Metarhizium anisopliae bioinsecticide Bio-Storm 1.15% WP, used as a comparator, had LC50 and LT50 1 × 105 (95% CI: 0.1-7.9) conidia/ml and 3.03 (95% CI: 2.4-3.8) days, respectively. It is suggested that mycoacaricides could be developed using the best two fungal strains found in this study (As-2 and Pa4), providing potential for biological control of poultry red mites.

Distribution of Scabies Infestations in Stray Dogs in Bursa Province.

Objective: Scabies infestation is a major parasitic disease affecting both human and animal health worldwide. This study aimed to determine the distribution of scabies infestation in stray dogs in Bursa province. Methods: The study material was obtained from stray dogs suspected of mange kept in a municipal shelter in Bursa between June 2020 and February 2022. Samples from stray dogs were examined in a laboratory, and dogs with scabies were determined. Results: During the study, samples were collected from 205 (115 males, 90 females) scabies-suspected stray dogs, 58 (28.29%) of which had scabies. Demodex spp. were detected in 35 of the positive dogs (60.34%) (D. canis, D. injae), 19 (32.76%) Sarcoptes scabiei canis, 2 (3.44%) mixed infestation (Sarcoptes and Demodex), and 2 (3.44%) Otodectes cynotis agents. It was determined that 32 (55.17%) of 58 scabies-positive dogs were male and 26 (44.83%) were female. The association of infestations with age, season, and sex has not been found to be statistically meaningful. Conclusion: This study identified scabies agents and their prevalence rate in stray dogs of Bursa province, Türkiye.

Experimentation of Essential Oils and Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Wax Moth Larvae in Laboratory Conditions

Objective: Larvae of wax moths cause great harm to honeybee hives and especially stored honeycombs. In the battle for wax moth in storage rooms; biological methods of struggle that does not harm the bee, product and the environment have become important. This study was conducted to determine the effect of essential oils of cloves, thyme and bay plants at 5% and commercial preparation derived from the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae under laboratory conditions against wax moth larvae. Methods: Content analyses of essential oils have determined components by doing them with the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry device. Previously collected and cultured lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella) larvae are divided into three groups, small/medium/large, based on their period. For each group of fifteen larvae, three volatile oils, one fungal experiment were performed, and two control groups were formed. The trials were conducted in glass jars and the larvae were retained in an incubator with a temperature of 25 °C/75% relative humidity conditions. Each jar was checked daily for nine weeks with dead/live larvae recorded and dead ones taken from the jar. Results: At the end of the study, moth emerging rates were determined for each group of dead larvae and remainders. Based on their percentage average; while no difference was seen between the essential oil groups and the control group, the fungal groups were observed to be effective relative to the control groups. Conclusion: According to the data, it was determined that M. anisopliae fungus preparation could be used as an alternative control methods against wax moth larvae in storage conditions.