Effects of two commercial microbial pesticides (Bt -H 14)‎ on British mosquito larvae and associated organisms, and the possibility of their use In Sudan

Abstract EN

Effects of two commercial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis var.

israelensis (Bti), Skeetal and vectobac were investigated in the laboratory and under semifield conditions in an out-door insectary, to test their efficacy against the larvae of two British mosquito species, Aedes cantans and Anopheles claviger, and their safety to nontarget organisms associated with the mosquito larval habitats.

Post-treatment observations showed that, in comparison with mosquito larvae, which showed 100% mortality within 48 hrs, none of the associated organisms were affected.

The tests confirmed the specificity of Bti as mosquito larvicide that can be used to control British mosquitoes and other mosquito pest species, with no risk to organisms associated with the larval habitats.

In Sudan, the preliminary trials made also confirmed the effectiveness of Bti samples against the main vector mosquito species in the country, Anopheles arabiensis, and Culex quenquifasciatus.

KEYWORDS: Bacillus thuringiensis var.

israelensis (Bti), Aedes cantans, Anopheles claviger, Anopheles arabiensis, Culex quinquefasciatus, Non-target organisms.