Assessing the nematocidal antagonism of two nematophagous fungi: Dactylellina candida and Arthrobotrys musiformis (Orbiliales) against <

Abstract

This study assessed the predatory activity (PA) of Dactylellina candida ( Dc ) and Arthrobotrys musiformis ( Am ) against Haemonchus contortus infective larvae ( Hc IL). It also examined the effect of crude extracts from Hc IL, Panagrellus redivivus ( Pr ), and Turbatryx aceti ( Ta ) on liquid cultures of these fungi as potential enhancers of their nematocidal activity against Hc IL. The fungi were cultured in sweet potato dextrose broth (SPDB), and the corresponding nematode crude extract (NCE) was added to flasks containing the fungus. Control groups included fungi without extracts and media alone. Liquid culture filtrates were assessed at three concentrations (100, 50, and 25 mg/mL) against Hc IL during 72 hours at 18–25°C. The highest mortality (86.61%) was observed with Dc stimulated by Hc IL crude extract ( Hc CE) at 100 mg/mL (p < 0.05). Arthrobotrys musiformis showed 47.49% mortality when stimulated with Hc CE. Both fungi increased their nematocidal activity when exposed to Hc CE, demonstrating their potential nematocidal activity against H. contortus.