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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 2/20/2017 Publication Date: 2/24/2017 Citation: Ramirez, J.L., Muturi, E.J., Dunlap, C.A., Rooney, A.P. 2017. The interplay between mosquitoes, entomopathogens and symbiotic microbes: A niche for the development of novel microbial-derived vector control strategies. Meeting Abstract. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The current outbreak of Zika virus in the Americas has highlighted the need for improved methods of control. This concern is exacerbated if we consider that all three major arboviruses (Zika, dengue, and chikungunya virus) are transmitted efficiently by two wide spread mosquito vectors: Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. These vectors are widely distributed throughout the Americas and present varying degrees of insecticide resistance, further hampering control efforts. Hence, microbe-derived biopesticides provide an alternative method of vector control. An important component defining the effectiveness of biopesticide control of mosquitoes depends as much on the mosquito and its microbiota as it depends on the entomopathogenic agent used to control it. This talk will discuss the importance of such tripartite interaction on the effectiveness of a biocontrol approach. Additional discussions will include information on fungal candidates with mosquitocidal activity and on their ability to produce bioactive molecules with microbicidal activity. |
