Synergistic larvicidal potential of Temephos and entomopathogenic fungus, Aspergillus flavus against filarial vector, Culex quinquefaciatus (Say)

Abstract

In the present study, we tested different combinations of Temephos and Aspergillus flavus to observe synergism. Larvicidal activity of Temephos and A. flavus was evaluated separately and also together in different ratios, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 against third instar larvae of Culex quinquefaciatus. The fungal extract showed LC50 13.616, 14.347, and 10.027 ppm after 24, 48 and 72 hrs, respectively. The LC50 values for Temephos were 0.0060, 0.0055 and 0.0042 ppm after 24, 48 and 72 hrs, respectively. In combinatorial bioaasay ratio, 1:2 was observed to be more effective than other tested combinations with LC50 0.0030, 0.0023 and 0.002 ppm after 24, 48 and 72 hrs of exposure period. Thus, the results revealed that the combination of Temephos and A. flavus demonstrated higher larvicidal activities indicating synergistic activity. Apart from raising new possibilities for Culex control it seems to be ideal approach to consider.