Non-larvicidal effects of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis and Bacillus sphaericus on oviposition and adult mortality of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae). 2005

Nayer S Zahiri, and Mir S Mulla
Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0134, USA.

Two microbial mosquito larvicides, Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. israelensis (Bti) and Bacillus sphaericus (Bsph), have been shown to be highly effective in controlling mosquito larvae and have been used in larvicidal programs for many years. In exploring other modes of action of these agents, we studied the ovipositional response of Bsph susceptible and resistant Culex quinquefasciatus to aqueous suspensions of Bti and Bsph water dispersible granules (WDG). We quantified the level of mortality of adult mosquitoes caused by exposure to Bti and Bsph suspensions during oviposition. Significantly lower numbers of egg rafts were laid and collected from the treatments than the control regimen. There was an inverse relationship between Bacillus product concentrations and oviposition. As the concentration of Bti or Bsph increased from 0.0 to 2.0 mg/L, treated waters received progressively fewer egg rafts. In addition to the negative effects of Bacillus on oviposition, both male and female adult mosquitoes suffered high mortality on landing and imbibing on Bti and Bsph suspensions, the extent of mortality directly proportional to concentration. These two microbial agents used solely as mosquito larvicides thus have the additional benefits of reducing mosquito oviposition and killing adult mosquitoes, especially gravid females that come in contact with the treated water either for oviposition or drinking. Reducing the number of gravid females may also result in reduced transmission rates of pathogens. The combined effects of reduced oviposition and adult mortality could result in higher control potential of these microbial agents.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007814 Larva Wormlike or grublike stage, following the egg in the life cycle of insects, worms, and other metamorphosing animals. Maggots,Tadpoles,Larvae,Maggot,Tadpole
D010058 Oviposition The process of laying or shedding fully developed eggs (OVA) from the female body. The term is usually used for certain INSECTS or FISHES with an organ called ovipositor where eggs are stored or deposited before expulsion from the body. Larviposition,Larvipositions,Ovipositions
D010572 Pest Control, Biological Use of naturally-occuring or genetically-engineered organisms to reduce or eliminate populations of pests. Biological Pest Control,Biologic Pest Control,Pest Control, Biologic,Biologic Pest Controls,Biological Pest Controls,Pest Controls, Biologic,Pest Controls, Biological
D003465 Culex A genus of mosquitoes (CULICIDAE) commonly found in tropical regions. Species of this genus are vectors for ST. LOUIS ENCEPHALITIS as well as many other diseases of man and domestic and wild animals. Culices
D005260 Female Females
D005508 Food Deprivation The withholding of food in a structured experimental situation. Deprivation, Food,Deprivations, Food,Food Deprivations
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D001407 Bacillus A genus of BACILLACEAE that are spore-forming, rod-shaped cells. Most species are saprophytic soil forms with only a few species being pathogenic. Bacillus bacterium
D001413 Bacillus thuringiensis A species of gram-positive bacteria which may be pathogenic for certain insects. It is used for the biological control of the Gypsy moth. Bacilan,Dipel,Thuricide

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