Sub-lethal Effects of Pyriproxyfen on Aedes albopictus and Non-target Effects of Autodissemination Approaches

Container-inhabiting mosquitoes such as Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti are the primary vectors of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. Current vector control methods for these species are often ineffective, suggesting the need for novel control approaches. A proposed novel approach is the autodissemination of insect growth regulators (IGRs). The advantage of autodissemination approaches is small amounts of active ingredients compared to traditional insecticide applications are used to impact mosquito populations. While the direct targeting of cryptic locations via autodissemination seems like a significant advantage over large-scale applications of insecticides, this approach could affect nontarget organisms by delivering these highly potent long-lasting growth inhibitors such as pyriproxyfen (PPF) to the exact locations that other beneficial insects visit, such as a nectar source. In my dissertation, I tested the hypothesis that PPF-treated mosquitoes as part of an autodissemination augmented by males (ADAM) and dissemination station approach transfer the PPF to nectar sources and indirectly to insect pollinators. In addition, I determined the persistence of PPF to oviposition sites and nectar sources at similar concentrations transferred via the autodissemination approach. The results suggest low level of PPF persistence at a lethal dose in oviposition sites and the persistence on nectar sources varied with the plant species used for the experiments and environmental conditions. The results of a study on sublethal effects of PPF on the female and male Ae. albopictus suggest that there is a reduction in fecundity with the increased PPF concentration and changes in ovary development. I also studied the changes in the relative expression of genes involved in the vitellogenesis pathway. Finally, I also addressed the effects of PPF on sperm production of male Ae. albopictus.

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