ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Pirimiphos-methyl, an organophosphorus insecticide is known to overcome resistance mechanisms of mosquitoes to other organophosphates. Information on the duration of efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl (50% emulsifiable concentrate) for the control of immatures of Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of bancroftian filariasis, is scanty and hence site specific field trials are necessary to determine the field dosage. Pirimiphos-methyl (50% EC) was tested for its efficacy in cesspits and drains against the immatures of Cx. quinquefasciatus at Puducherry, an endemic area for filariasis, south India. Methods: In cesspits, Pirimiphos-methyl (50% EC) was tested at the dosage of 25, 50, 100 and 200 g(ai)/ ha and in drains at 50, 100 and 200 g(ai)/ha. Immature density during pre-treatment and post-treatment periods was recorded and the efficacy was determined by calculating percentage reduction in larval and pupal densities for a period of about one month. Results: In cesspits, application of the insecticide at 25 and 50 g(ai)/ha reduced the density of larvae by >80 per cent for 2-4 days only, whereas at 100 and 200 g(ai)/ha, the efficacy lasted for 7-8 days. More than 80 per cent reduction was observed in pupal density for 4 days at 50 g(ai)/ha and for 10-12 days at 100 and 200 g(ai)/ha respectively. In drains treated with 50 g (ai)/ha, >80 per cent reduction in larval density was recorded up to 3rd day post-treatment. The efficacy showing >80 per cent reduction in larval density lasted for 12-13 days and the same in pupal density lasted for 10-12 days at 100 and 200 g(ai)/ha. Interpretation & conclusions: At the dosages of 100 and 200 g(ai)/ha, pirimiphos-methyl (50% EC) showed no difference in the control of larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus in cesspits and drains. Pirimiphosmethyl may be applied at the field dosage of 100 g (ai)/ha at 10 day-intervals in the larval habitats of Cx. quinquefasciatus to achieve >80 per cent reduction in immature density.