title: Methoprene effects on survival and reproductive performance of adult female and male Aedes aegypti.
abstract: Methoprene is a juvenile hormone analog commonly used for the control of mosquito larvae. It acts through interference with normal metamorphosis, resulting in mortality prior to and during adult emergence. Methoprene is not commonly used for the control of adult mosquitoes, due to an absence of acute effects. Here, we have evaluated for chronic effects caused by the exposure of adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to methoprene. We applied methoprene to adults, both through 1) topical application to the abdomen and 2) as an aerosol, examining for treatment effects on ovary development, adult longevity, and fecundity. The results demonstrate that relatively high doses are required to affect adult survivorship. In contrast, significant impacts on both fecundity and egg hatch were observed in females treated at the lower dosages. We discuss the results in relation to autocidal strategies for mosquito control in which the release of fecund females is to be avoided.
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky, Department of Entomology, S-225 Agricultural Science Center North, Lexington, KY 40546-0091, USA.
authors.forename: Peter Joseph
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Brabant
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky, Department of Entomology, S-225 Agricultural Science Center North, Lexington, KY 40546-0091, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Dobson
mesh_terms: D000330:Aedes / Q000187:drug effects*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008726:Methoprene / Q000633:toxicity*; D009032:Mosquito Control; D052287:Oviparity / Q000187:drug effects*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D008726:Methoprene