Biocontrol of Ticks Using Entomopathogenic Fungi

Thomas J. Daniels, Fordham University Richard C. Falco, Fordham University John T. Weston, Cedarville University

Abstract Abstract A field and laboratory study was conducted at a site in New York to test the efficacy of a potential commercial product containing spores of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, as a biological control agent against Ixodes scapularis, the black-legged tick. This tick is the primary vector of the Lyme disease agent in the US and entomopathogenic fungi may offer a way to regulate tick numbers without the need for toxic pesticides. Woodland plots 10m x 10m in size (n = 5) were treated with the product during the summer months, when nymphal I. scapularis are most abundant. Numbers of ticks and non-target insects (e.g., Collembola and Isopoda) were sampled and compared to those found on untreated control (n = 5) plots. In the lab, the fungal product was applied directly to ticks to determine efficacy under optimal conditions. Field sampling indicated a minimal reduction in tick numbers (<15% control using a modified Abbott’s formula) after fungus application although a significant reduction in the populations of non-target arthropods was observed. Likewise, lab results were unimpressive. At present, this particular product cannot be recommended as a method for controlling I. scapularis.

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