Seleção e caracterização de isolados de fungos entomopatogênicos visando ao controle do ácaro vermelho Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae)

Abstract

Brazil is one of the largest producers of eggs, and this production is constantly growing, based on investment independent producers and the creation of cooperatives. Brazilian poultry facilities are mainly in wood with metal cages. There are few fully automated poultry, mainly by the high initial investment they require. The wooden structures, usually older, favor the appearance of some arthropod pests, as the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) (Acari: Dermanyssidae). This mite is hematophagous and features gregarious and nocturnal behavior, spending the day hiding in cracks and crevices of the poultry houses, timber slots, dirt and debris accumulation of food and cobwebs. Among the damage caused by this mite infestation highlights the stress of birds, dermatitis and anemia, which can cause a decrease in production. Moreover, D. gallinae can also be transmitter the bacteria genus Salmonella, viruses of Newcastle disease and avian pox. Control strategies are mainly based on the use of chemical acaricides, which present risks to animals, poultry farmers and eggs consumers by residues in the eggs. Also, can select populations of resistant mites. Currently, the integrated management with use of less impactful strategies has been researched aiming their use at the field level. Among these strategies include the use of extracts and essential oils, inert powders (diatomaceous earth, silicas, talc), predators and entomopathogenic fungi. The entomopathogenic fungus has emerged as one of the most efficient techniques to control D. gallinae in laboratory conditions, but with a few field studies. The combination of these control strategies are also being studied aiming to find a method that is efficient and at the same time represents no risk to human and animal health.