Field observation on the efficacy of Toxorhynchites splendens (Wiedemann) as a biocontrol agent against Aedes albopictus (Skuse) larvae in a cemetery
- Author:
Nyamah, M.A.,*
;
Sulaiman, S.
;
Omar, B.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2011;28(2):312-319
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
This study explored the efficacy of Toxorhynchites splendens, predator of Aedes
albopictus as a biocontrol agent. There was a negative correlation between Ae. albopictus
larval population and Tx. splendens larval population in ovitraps (r= -0.287, R2=0.0821). The
correlation is higher between the mean number of Ae. albopictus larvae per ovitrap and the
number of Tx. splendens larvae in an ovitrap (r=-0.987, R2=0.9737). Larvae of Tx. splendens
were observed to co-exist with larvae of Ae. albopictus and Culex fuscocephala in the ovitraps
placed in the study area. The existence of Tx. splendens larvae in the study area coincides
with their habit, preferring to breed in bamboo stumps. A total of 480 ovitraps were inspected
for 30-week study period and 281 ovitraps were positive with Ae. albopictus larvae respectively.
There was a significant difference between numbers of ovitrap positive for Ae. albopictus
larvae with number of Tx. splendens larvae in the ovitraps (ANOVA, F(4,475) 2.655, p< 0.05). Of
281 ovitraps positive with Ae. albopictus larvae, 255 ovitraps contained only one Tx. splendens
larva each. Only one ovitrap contained four, the most number of Tx. splendens larvae (p<
0.05). Thus, Tx. splendens could be utilised as an alternative for dengue vector control
programme.
- Full text:W020150615372327934816.pdf
