M. (Marit) Farenhorst: Integrated use of fungi against malaria mosquitoes

Extensive use of chemical insecticide in mosquito control has caused a rapid spread of insecticide-resistance, which is threatening the effectiveness of current malaria interventions. The mosquito-killing fungi Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana offer a biological control alternative.

This PhD research focused on developing methods for practical and integrated use of fungi in tropical field conditions and investigated if fungi could be an effective tool against insecticide-resistant malaria mosquitoes. It was shown that resting mosquitoes could be effectively targeted with fungi applied inside clay pots. Fungus spores were also effective on netting materials, which could be used for house screening.

Fungi were shown to be highly effective against insecticide-resistant malaria mosquitoes and to make them more susceptible again to chemical insecticides. When applied in combination, fungi and insecticides enhanced each others’ efficacy. These results show that chemical and biological control can complement each other and that fungi could be successfully integrated in existing malaria interventions.