Synergistic Biological Control of Dermanyssus gallinae Using Beauveria bassiana and Eucalyptus globulus Essential Oil Delivered via a Cellulose-Based Hydrogel Support"

Inglese

Dermanyssus gallinae, commonly known as the poultry red mite, is widely recognized as one of the most significant ectoparasites affecting poultry. Its infestations are associated with substantial economic losses in the poultry industry due to decreased animal welfare, productivity reduction, and increased management costs. Conventional control strategies predominantly rely on the use of synthetic acaricides. However, the extensive and often indiscriminate application of these chemical agents has led to several critical drawbacks. Chief among these are the development of resistant mite populations and the risk of chemical residues accumulating in poultry products or dispersing into the environment, thereby raising concerns for both food safety and ecological sustainability. In response to increasing regulatory restrictions and evolving consumer preferences, there is a growing demand within the poultry industry for effective, safe, and environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional pesticides. Producers are under increasing pressure to deliver high-quality, residue-free products derived from farming practices that minimize or eliminate the use of synthetic drugs. The principal aim of this thesis is to evaluate the efficacy of alternative strategies for the control of D. gallinae through empirical investigation. Specifically, this research focuses on the application of certain naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi, particularly Beauveria bassiana, either alone or in combination with selected essential oils, such as that of Eucalyptus globulus. A major challenge in implementing this approach lies in the need for a suitable delivery system that maintains fungal viability while simultaneously acting as an attractive medium for the target ectoparasite.