Evaluation of Gambusia affinis and Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis as Culex quinquefasciatus Control Agents

Abstract

Objectives: Biological control strategies for the filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and Gambusia affinis. Methods: The potential of Bti as a bio-control agent was investigated under laboratory conditions. Bti strain H-14 when assayed for its residual toxicity against Culex quinquefasciatus revealed that the susceptibility status varies according to the developmental stage of the vector. Various Sizes of Gambusia affinis were taken to evaluate the consumption of Culex quinquefasciatus. Results: Culex quinquefasciatus larvae appeared highly sensitive for the higher concentrations (ppm) of Bti; various sizes of Gambusia affinis consumed Culex quinquefasciatus as potential larvicidal agent. Conclusion: The present investigation clearly exhibits that both Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis and Gambusia affinis serve as a potential larvicidal agent.