Laboratory Study on Biological Control of Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) by Entomopathogenic Indigenous Fungi (Beauveria bassiana)

Background: chemical control method using different acaricides as spray, dipping solution or pour-on is routinelyused for controlling ticks. biological control agents are favorable due to their safety for animals and environment.entomopathogenic fungi such as beauveria bassiana are well known for controlling ticks. in this study, two iranianindigenous strains of b. bassiana (b. bassiana 5197 and b. bassiana evin) were selected and grown on specific media.the pathogenic effects of these strains were evaluated on adult stages of two iranian ixodidae members (h.anatolicum anatolicum koch 1844, and h. marginatum koch 1844) by dipping method.methods: two iranian strains of beauveria bassiana (beauveria bassiana 5197 and beauveria bassiana evin) wereselected and were grown successfully on specific media. the pathogenic effects of these strains were evaluated onadult stages of iranian ixodidae members such as, hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and h. marginatum by dippingmethod (these ticks were grown up at laboratory conditions during 2002 up to 2003 and still it is continued) .results: there was no effect of strain 5197 on mortality or fecundity rates for ticks. there was acute phase sign ofparalysis in test group after dipping ticks in suspension made from evin strain of b. bassiana. in addition, the testgroups were totally died after four months, but the control groups survived for six months.conclusion: high concentration of fungal spores is needed for inducing fungal infection. additional study usingdifferent strains and fungi on iranian ticks is proposed.