Semi-field assessment of Spinosad in combination with Altosid briquet and Dudim DT tablets against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae reared in pond water

Abstract

This study aims at evaluating the larvicidal efficacy of slow-release formulations of bacterial insecticide Spinosad blended with two insect growth regulators (IGRs), Altosid XR–briquets and Dudim DT tablets against mosquito larvae of Aedes aegypti. This insect is the cause of dengue arthropod-borne viral disease. Treatment based on vector control using chemicals poses risks to human and environment, while the strategy based on the use of natural products poses lower risks. The results of the present study indicated that the mixture of Spinosad plus Dudim or Altosid tablets continued their fatal activity against the 3rd instar larvae for a longer period than the treatment with Spinosad, Altosid or Dudim tablets alone. The treatment of Spinosad plus either Altosid or Dudim has given effect to female mosquitoes in laying eggs in egg cups containing the treated pond water compared to the control egg cups. The results also showed that the treatment of Spinosad plus Altosid did not affect the egg hatching rate in the treated pond water, while the treatment of Spinosad combination with Dudim showed a significant decrease in the percentage of egg hatching. Use of natural products with larvicidal activities offers better approaches to integrated pest management and insecticide resistance management.