P378 Insecticidal potential of isolated fungal species in targeting Drosophila melanogaster and Zaprionus indianus

POSTER SESSION 3, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: OBJECTIVES: Fruit flies are polyphagous insects that attack a variety of commercially significant plants, which resulted in the build-up of insecticide resistance making the research focus shift toward alternative pest management tools in order to reduce risks to humans, environment, and non-target organisms. METHODS: Fungal species were isolated and molecularly characterized from Drosophila culture medium. Virulence assay was conducted against third instar larvae and adults of Drosophila melanogaster and Zaprionus indianus. Percent adult emergence and larval mortality were calculated. RESULTS: Three species: Meyerozyma caribbica, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Aspergillus flavus were identified by ITS region sequencing. A. flavus was the most virulent against larvae and adults of D. melanogaster and Z. indianus followed by P. kudriavzevii and M. caribbica (44%-100% mortality). Lethal time to 90% mortality (LT90) ranged from 4.5 to 7 days (P. kudriavzevii) and 3.2 to 4.5 days (A. flavus). CONCLUSION: These preliminary findings suggest that the isolated fungal species can be deployed in targeting the developmental life stages of Drosophila species and hence, controlling invasive insect pests in an eco-friendly way. The use of these biological control agents could further minimize the use of harmful insecticides which has substantial global health benefits.