Novel pyriproxyfen based treatment for Aedes breeding control through a long-lasting formulation: Laboratory and field trials in Western Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT

Background & objectives: There is a need to evaluate novel techniques for dengue control in India. Several formulations of pyriproxyfen have been assessed for efficacy and duration of action. Pyriproxyfen is also used as a microencapsulated ready-to-use formulation against the Aedes vector. We evaluated a novel pyriproxyfen-based microencapsulated formulation. This slow-release, ready-to-use aqueous spray is a larvicidal formulation, and we assessed its efficacy and residual action through laboratory and semi-field trials against Aedes immature stages. Methods: The study was carried out as per the guidelines for laboratory and field/small-scale field testing of mosquito larvicides by the World Health Organization. The evaluation was conducted in laboratory and semi-field conditions from August to December 2018. We tested the novel formulation on three materials (plastic, ceramic, and enamel) in the laboratory for its action as an antilarval. Four containers of each kind were sprayed with the formulation and kept as replicates. Four controls were used in the laboratory trials - 120 larvae (third instar) were introduced in the replicates and the controls each. Readings were taken daily till complete adult emergence or larval and pupal mortality. In the semi-field trials, we applied this formulation to the inside of desert coolers and observed larvicidal and pupicidal activity over five months. Data is presented in numbers and percentages, along with mean and standard deviation. Adult emergence and Emergence Inhibition was calculated. Results: There was 100% adult emergence inhibition amongst the exposed larvae in the treated containers in the laboratory trials. In the untreated controls, adult emergence ranged from 80–95% in all types of containers. In the semifield trials, Inhibition Emergence was 100% in the treated desert coolers during the five months of the study period. Interpretation & conclusion: This advancement in insecticide formulation technology promises to make dengue control more effective and efficient