Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Mosquito and Fly Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #250386
Title: USDA Research on New Strategies for Controlling Aedes aegypti.

Author
item Clark, Gary
item Becnel, James
item Kline, Daniel - Dan

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/30/2010
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: N/A

Technical Abstract: USDA researchers are currently studying new methods to control Aedes aegypti. One involves molecular pesticides which target critical genes/proteins (such as inhibitors of apoptosis proteins, IAPs) in mosquitoes using RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi constructs are evaluated in vivo in adult mosquitoes by injection and topical application. A second approach utilizes the sterile insect technique (SIT) with genetically-modified Ae. aegypti and involves male mosquitoes carrying a dominant lethal (RIDL®) gene that was developed by Oxitec, Ltd. RIDL® mosquitoes are hatched in the laboratory and provided with tetracycline. The progeny of RIDL® males inherit a copy of the RIDL® gene. In the absence of tetracycline in their larval diet, immature mosquitoes of both sexes that carry the RIDL® gene die. Mating competiveness of RIDL® males is being evaluated in outdoor cages with males from a recently colonized strain of Ae. aegypti. The third approach focuses on prevention of oviposition by female Ae. aegypti . With Vestergaard-Frandsen, deltamethrin-treated PermaNet® Container Covers (jar lids) are being evaluated with different configurations of 55-gallon drums with and without covers. Exclusion efficacy was measured with ovitraps and oviposition substrates placed on the inner wall of the drums. The presence of the treated Container Covers significantly reduced female oviposition. These approaches may result in better vector control and prevention of dengue virus transmission.