Diversity of Insect-Associated Fungi from the Riparian Zone of the Upstream Carmona River within the De La Salle University–Laguna Campus and Entomopathogenic Potential of Selected Isolates against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762)

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Aneeka Rose M. Dacanay, De La Salle University - Laguna CampusFollow
• Anne Kyla R. Hernandez, De La Salle University - Laguna CampusFollow
• Maxine Denise S. Sabasa, De La Salle University - Laguna CampusFollow
• Ernest Aaron S. De Villa, De La Salle University - Laguna CampusFollow
• Tien Zachri E. Canta, De La Salle University - Laguna CampusFollow
• Thaddeus Carvajal, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Jewel De Padua, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Reuben Miguel Felix, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Caryl Anne Mendoza, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Dale Anthony L. To, De La Salle UniversityFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

De La Salle University - Laguna Campus

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

To, Dale Anthony, L.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Laguna Campus (In-person) - Enrique K. Razon Jr. Hall - EKR 403

Abstract/Executive Summary

Chemical insecticides are becoming less effective against dengue vectors such as Aedes aegypti, raising concerns about resistance and their impacts on the environment and human health. In response, bioinsecticides employing entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have emerged as promising natural alternatives for controlling mosquito populations. However, research on the biocontrol potential of locally occurring fungal strains in the Philippines remains limited, particularly beyond the currently well-studied species. This study aims to isolate and identify insect-associated fungi from the riparian zone of the upstream Carmona River within the De La Salle University–Laguna Campus and evaluate the entomopathogenic potential of selected isolates against Ae. aegypti. Of the 37 collected samples, 22 were morphologically identified to the genus level. These included diverse known entomopathogenic fungal genera such as Beauveria sp., Acremonium sp., Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., Mucor sp., Ophiocordyceps sp., Penicillium sp., Trichoderma sp., and Rhizopus sp., as well as one non-entomopathogenic genus, Mortierella sp. Adulticidal bioassays of Beauveria sp. isolates (G2-011 and G2-007) showed mortality rates of 33.33% and 30%, respectively, both exceeding those of the positive and negative controls (< 20%). Notably, one replicate of G2-011 exhibited a 70% mortality rate. Meanwhile, Abbott’s corrected mortality rates were 16.69% and 13.36%, respectively, indicating higher pathogenicity relative to the positive control (3.17%). These findings represent the first record of insect-associated fungi in the study area and provide preliminary evidence of the entomopathogenic potential of selected isolates. Further studies are recommended to enhance pathogenicity and evaluate bioassays targeting other mosquito life stages.

Keywords

Entomopathogenic fungi; Beauveria; biological control; Aedes aegypti; adulticidal bioassay

Initial Consent for Publication

no

Statement of Originality

yes