Laboratory and semi-field environment tests for the control efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae formulated with neem oil (suneem) against Anopheles gambiae s.l. adult emergence

Metarhizium anisopliae was evaluated previously in Suneem formulation against malaria vector adults. However, their ability to control aquatic stages is not yet evaluated. In laboratory conditions: the lethal dose (LD90) of the formulation was determined on Anopheles gambiae larvae collected from breeding sites and evaluated into artificial vats at dry and rainy seasons. In laboratory conditions, the LD90 was 5.3 × 106 spores/ml in 48 h. In semi-field environment, the formulation had a great emergence inhibition of mosquito adult (P < 0.0001). The emergences rate at day 8 were 2.25 ± 0.03, 28.00 ± 1.07 and 97.25 ± 1.56 % in dry season for the oil formulation (OF), Suneem (S), and water control respectively. In rainy season, the emergences were 1.25 ± 0.15, 30.25 ± 1.23 and 98 ± 0.76 % respectively. No significant difference was observed between dry and rainy seasons (P=0.3). Therefore, M. anisopliae formulated with Suneem may provide a more sustainable management strategy for malaria vectors control at larval stages.