title: Assessment of a direct application of two Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis formulations for immediate and residual control of Aedes albopictus.
abstract: The bacterial agent Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) is a highly effective larvicide against various medically important mosquito and black fly vector species. Recent formulations of this powerful larvicidal tool have been evaluated for their field efficacy in integrated mosquito management programs. Laboratory and controlled-condition trials have indicated long periods of residual efficacy, whereas field persistence is often much lower in duration. We investigated the residual persistence of high doses of 2 formulations of Bti, a water-dispersible granule (VectoBac WDG; 16 mg/liter) and an extruded pellet (VBC-60066; 80 mg/liter), for the management of natural larval populations of Aedes albopictus. Laboratory tests demonstrated 100% (WDG) and > or = 99.7% (VBC) average mortality across all treatments over 180 days. Field tests exhibited 100% efficacy (WDG and VBC) for 3 wk against Ae. albopictus and other coinhabiting mosquito species, with some residual efficacy lasting for > 4 wk. These results are discussed in relation to current field control of domestic Aedes vectors of public health significance.
authors.affiliation: Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8536, USA.
authors.forename: Ary
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farajollahi
authors.affiliation: Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8536, USA.
authors.forename: Gregory M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8536, USA.
authors.forename: George C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Condon
authors.affiliation: Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District, 2020 N Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, USA.
authors.forename: Banugopan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kesavaraju
authors.affiliation: Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8536, USA.
authors.forename: Isik
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Unlu
authors.affiliation: Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8536, USA.
authors.forename: Randy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gaugler
mesh_terms: D000330:Aedes; D000818:Animals; D001413:Bacillus thuringiensis; D010572:Pest Control, Biological