Testing fungus impregnated cloths for the control of adult Aedes aegypti under natural conditions
Autor(es): Paula, Adriano R.; Carolino, Aline T.; Silva, Carlos P.; Pereira, Cesar R.; Samuels, Richard I.
Resumo: Entomopathogenic fungi could be useful tools for reducing populations of the dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti. Here the efficiency of fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae) impregnated cloths (with and without imidacloprid [IMI]) was evaluated against adult A. aegypti in simulated human dwellings. Behaviour of mosquitoes in the presence of black cloths was also investigated. Findings: When mosquitoes were released into the test rooms, the lowest survival rates (38%) were seen when five black cloths impregnated with conidia of ESALQ 818 + 10 ppm IMI were fixed under tables and chairs. This result was significantly lower than the survival rate recorded when cloths were impregnated with ESALQ 818 alone (44%) or ESALQ 818 + 0.1 ppm IMI (43%). Blood fed A. aegypti had lower landing frequencies on black cloths than sucrose fed insects during the first 24 h following feeding, which may have been due to reduced flight activity. Few mosquitoes (4-5%) were observed to land on the cloths during the hours of darkness. The landing pattern of sucrose-fed mosquitoes on non-treated and fungus-treated cloths was similar. Conclusion: The synergism between M. anisopliae and IMI significantly reduced Aedes survival in simulated field conditions. The use of fungus impregnated cloths is a promising point source application method for the control of adult A. aegypti.
Palavras-Chave: Virulence; Field testing; Fungus; Insecticide; Vector; Dengue; Blood feeding; Behaviour
Imprenta: Parasites & Vectors, v. 6, n. 256, 2013.
Descritores: Aedes aegypti - Dengue ; Aedes aegypti - Public health
Data de publicação: 2013
