In vitro efficacy of the monoterpene linalool isolated or combined with the nematophagous fungus duddingtonia flagrans in the control of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes

Abstract

New alternatives for controlling resistant populations of gastrointestinal nematodes are being studied, including the use of plant compounds and biological control with nematophagous fungi. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effect of linalool and its association with the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans (isolated AC001) in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. The ovicidal activity of linalool was assessed via the Egg Hatch Test (EHT), and the larvicidal activity of linalool, alone and in combination with D. flagrans conidia, was evaluated via the Larval Motility Inhibition Test (LMIT) on infective larvae (L3). In the EHT, 100% inhibition occurred (at 1.25 and 2.5 mg/mL), with an LC50 of 0.49 mg/mL. In the LMIT, linalool alone inhibited 100% of larval motility (at 4% and 8%), with an LC50 of 0.42% or 4.2 mg/mL. In the combination of linalool with D. flagrans, there was a significant reduction in larvae, starting at 24 h, with 100% reduction after 14 days, thus being more effective in reducing L3 compared to the use of the fungus alone. It is concluded that linalool exhibits ovicidal and larvicidal activity, and its association with D. flagrans enhances the fungal predation capacity and potentiates anthelmintic efficacy.