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 w ater and evaluated for efficacy against second-instar Aedes aegypti mosquit o larvae in 100-ml bioassays. Bioassay variables included level of media ad dition, CO2 evolution rate (CER) and cell density. Logistic regression was performed on bioassay infection observations to determine if the tested var iables were correlated to the probability of attaining at least 80% infecti on. Both CER (p=0.003) and number of cells (p=0.017) were significantly cor related, while level of media addition was not (p=0.42). Although media add ition did not correlate with efficacy, media levels greater than 2 g/l redu ced water clarity and infection. Media from cultures younger than 3 days pe rformed poorly under all conditions tested.