Insecticide susceptibility status & enzyme profile of Aedes albopictus populations from different localities of Maharashtra state.

ABSTRACT

Susceptibility status of five populations of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes from Maharashtra state, to DDT, malathion, fenitrothion, bromophos, propoxur and deltamethrin was studied and compared with the laboratory population. Four populations survived when adults were exposed to 4 per cent DDT impregnated paper for 2 h; though three of these populations had lower DDT-LC50 values at larval stages in comparison with the laboratory population. Results of topical application of DDT on these four populations supported these findings by showing comparatively higher LD50 values at adult stages in comparison with the laboratory population. All the populations were highly susceptible to other pesticides tested i.e., malathion, fenitrothion, bromophos, propoxur and deltamethrin. These populations were distinguished from each other by esterase isoenzyme patterns.