Role of Azolla in controlling mosquito breeding in Ghaziabad district villages (U.P.).
A survey was carried out during post-monsoon period (1988-89) in villages of Dhaulana Primary Health Centre, Distt. Ghaziabad (U.P.) to evaluate the utility of Azolla pinnata for the control of mosquito breeding in different habitats. Results of the survey revealed that pools, ponds, wells, rice fields and drains were infested with Azolla. Infestation rate and intensity of infestation varied from habitat to habitat. Maximum infestation (36.5%) was observed in pools and minimum (3.7%) in rice fields. Anopheline breeding was almost completely suppressed (0-1.6/dip) in pools, wells and ponds completely covered with Azolla. The breeding of Culex spp. was not completely inhibited in any habitat, though reduction in immature density was observed in comparison to control. The role of Azolla in controlling mosquito breeding and its association with the blue green algae which fixes nitrogen is discussed.
Malaria Research Centre, Delhi, India.
M A
MA
Ansari
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VP
Sharma
D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles; D003465:Culex; D009033:Culicidae; D005618:Fresh Water; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D010944:Plants