Vol. 12, Issue 5, Part A (2025)

Author(s): Zul’ Aziyya Abbas Ibrahim, Mohammed Suleiman, Ibrahim Sani, Samaila Abubakar and Aminu Musa

Abstract: This study investigates the biological activity of EPF, Beauveria spp against Anopheles mosquitoes, a key malaria vector, in Katsina State. Collection of mosquito larvae was carried in three local government areas (LGAs) of Katsina State namely Rimi, Kaita and Mani. The sampling of wild Anopheles mosquito larvae was carried from identified breeding sites such as permanent water bodies, rice fields, small water pools or impoundments. The larvae were placed in plastic container and reared under laboratory conditions for adult emergence in the insectary of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina (UMYUK). Naturally infected arthropod cadavers (cockroaches, grasshoppers, spiders, scorpions, beetles, ants and mosquitoes) were gathered from different habitats like tires, pots and garden and fungi were isolated using modified techniques. Morphological and microscopic analyses identified the fungal species and selected Beauveria spp for this study. Pathogenicity of the isolated fungi was evaluated through larvicidal and adulticidal mosquito bioassays. Three concentrations (106, 107 and 108 conidia/mL) were tested against Anopheles mosquito within 72-hours. Conidial suspensions of Beauveria spp resulted in significant larval adult mortality ranging from 36.0% to 96.5% and 80.5% to 90.0%, respectively. This research highlights the potential of these EPF as eco-friendly biocontrol agents for pest and malaria vector management. The study suggests the need for further investigations into their long-term effectiveness, environmental impact, and field applications.

DOI: 10.22271/23487941.2025.v12.i5a.860