Abstract

OSBORN, Frances; HERRERA, Melfran  and  SALAZAR, Armando. The effectiveness of Griselesf® (Bacillus sphaericus 2362) as a biological control of larvae of Anopheles aquasalis Curry. Bol Mal Salud Amb [online]. 2007, vol.47, n.1, pp.119-124. ISSN 1690-4648.

There are many different formulations of Bacillus spp. used as larvicides against the malaria vectors, Anopheles spp. Nevertheless, their effectiveness is variable depending on the target species and environmental conditions. The effectiveness of Griselesf® (Bacillus sphaericus 2362) as a biological control agent for the principal malaria vector in Sucre state, Anopheles aquasalis, was evaluated under similar laboratory conditions on two occasions, in 2002 and later in 2006. Solutions of the product were prepared at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 ppm (2002) and 5, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm (2006), in 600 mL of potable water and for each concentration 100 mL was poured into each of six 250 mL plastic recipients. Ten late third or early fourth instar larvae were then placed into each recipient. In 2002, after 48 hours in 100 ppm Griselesf® had only killed 0,84% of the population, rising to 25% after 72 hours. In 2006, in 100 ppm, the mortality rates were 6,67 and 11,67% after 48 and 72 hours respectively. The results suggest that Griselesf® is not effective against An. aquasalis from Sucre state.

Keywords : Anopheles; biolarvicide; Bacillus sphaericus (2362).