A semifield evaluation of Vectobac DT (ABG-6499), a new formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis for control of Aedes albopictus.
We evaluated the effectiveness and duration of effectiveness of a new formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) for control of larval Aedes albopictus. The product tested was Vectobac DT (ABG-6499), a Bti tablet formulation containing 3.4% of active ingredient (3,400 ITU/mg) supplied by SCAE Valent BioSciences Italy S.r.l. The study was conducted at the Botanical Garden of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" between June and September 2002, the most favorable season for the development of Ae. albopictus in Italy. Black 20-liter plastic buckets containing water and an organic substrate were used as experimental breeding sites. The number of larvae in these buckets was estimated weekly, and positive buckets were treated with the recommended dose of the larvicide. The results showed that Vectobac DT induced 100% larval mortality after 24 h in all experimental breeding sites during the entire study period. Nonetheless, in most cases, the larvicidal activity only lasted about 48 h; thus, effective mosquito control would require that treatment be performed every 8-10 days in this habitat.
Toma
Luciano
L
Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Laboratorio di Parassitologia, Rome, Italy.
Severini
Francesco
F
Bella
Antonino
A
Romi
Roberto
R
D000330:Aedes; D000818:Animals; D001413:Bacillus thuringiensis; D007558:Italy; D007814:Larva; D010572:Pest Control, Biological; D012621:Seasons