A predictor variable for efficacy of Lagenidium giganteum produced in solid-state cultivation

Lagenidium giganteum was cultivated on solid media in the absence of free water and evaluated for efficacy against second-instar Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae in 100-ml bioassays. Bioassay variables included level of media addition, CO2 evolution rate (CER) and cell density. Logistic regression was performed on bioassay infection observations to determine if the tested variables were correlated to the probability of attaining at least 80% infection. Both CER (p=0.003) and number of cells (p=0.017) were significantly correlated, while level of media addition was not (p=0.42). Although media addition did not correlate with efficacy, media levels greater than 2 g/l reduced water clarity and infection. Media from cultures younger than 3 days performed poorly under all conditions tested.