Mosquito and Fly Research Unit Site Logo
ARS Home About Us Helptop nav spacerContact Us En Espanoltop nav spacer
Printable VersionPrintable Version     E-mail this pageE-mail this page
Agricultural Research Service United States Department of Agriculture
Search
  Advanced Search
 
Programs and Projects
Subjects of Investigation
Achievements
Air Curtain
Deployed War-Fighter Protection (DWFP) Program
Mosquito Insectary
Protection and Prevention
 

Research Project: BITING ARTHROPODS: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

Location: Mosquito and Fly Research Unit

Title: Edhazardia aedis, a microsporidian pathogen of Aedes aegypti: Possibilities and challenges for classical biocontrol in South America

Author

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 9, 2012
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Edhazardia aedis, a pathogen of Aedes aegypti, has a complex life cycle involving both horizontal and vertical transmission affecting two successive generations of the host. Usually, one sporulation sequence occurs in the adult female (infected orally as a larva) and results in the formation of binucleate spores. These spores are involved in vertical transmission of E. aedis to the subsequent generation via infected eggs. In infected progeny, larval death results in the release of uninucleate spores that are responsible for horizontal transmission when ingested by larvae. This developmental sequence leads to the formation of binucleate spores in the adult to complete the cycle. Optimism regarding the role of E. aedis as part of a program to control Ae. aegypti focuses on a number of desirable traits. Both the vertical and horizontal components of the life cycle of E. aedis are highly efficient providing the means for the parasite to become established, persist and spread in populations of Ae. aegypti. Edhazardia aedis has a profound effect on the reproductive capacity of these infected adults with a 98% reduction in overall fitness by reducing survival, fecundity and the percent of eggs that hatch. Good persistence is expected in release sites due to life cycle flexibility with dissemination to other mosquito-inhabiting sites by means of vertical transmission. Survival during dry periods occurs within the mosquito eggs where the parasite can survive for the life of the egg. The possibilities and challenges of utilizing E. aedis as a classical biocontrol agent will be discussed.

Technical Abstract: Edhazardia aedis, a pathogen of Aedes aegypti, has a complex life cycle involving both horizontal and vertical transmission affecting two successive generations of the host. Usually, one sporulation sequence occurs in the adult female (infected orally as a larva) and results in the formation of binucleate spores. These spores are involved in vertical transmission of E. aedis to the subsequent generation via infected eggs. In infected progeny, larval death results in the release of uninucleate spores that are responsible for horizontal transmission when ingested by larvae. This developmental sequence leads to the formation of binucleate spores in the adult to complete the cycle. Optimism regarding the role of E. aedis as part of a program to control Ae. aegypti focuses on a number of desirable traits. Both the vertical and horizontal components of the life cycle of E. aedis are highly efficient providing the means for the parasite to become established, persist and spread in populations of Ae. aegypti. Edhazardia aedis has a profound effect on the reproductive capacity of these infected adults with a 98% reduction in overall fitness by reducing survival, fecundity and the percent of eggs that hatch. Good persistence is expected in release sites due to life cycle flexibility with dissemination to other mosquito-inhabiting sites by means of vertical transmission. Survival during dry periods occurs within the mosquito eggs where the parasite can survive for the life of the egg. The possibilities and challenges of utilizing E. aedis as a classical biocontrol agent will be discussed.

   

 
Project Team
Bernier, Ulrich - Uli
Becnel, James
Kline, Daniel - Dan
Barnard, Donald - Don
Hogsette, Jerome - Jerry
Linthicum, Kenneth - Ken
Allan, Sandra - Sandy
Clark, Gary
 
Publications
   Publications
 
Related National Programs
  Animal Health (103)
  Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology (104)
  Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)
 
Related Projects
   DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF DIGITAL THERMOMETER/RELATIVE HUMIDITY RECORDING DEVICES WITH REMOTE DOWNLOADING CAPABILITIES
   DISCOVERY OF NEW INSECTICIDES AND REPELLENTS BY STRUCTURE-PROPERTY BASED MODELS
   BIONOMICS AND CONTROL OF RIFT VALLEY FEVER VIRUS VECTORS IN KENYA
   BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF MOSQUITOES AND OTHER DIPTERA OF MEDICAL AND VETERINARY IMPORTANCE
   EFFICACY OF DURABLE WALL LINING FOR CONTROLLING THREE MOSQUITO GENERA UNDER SEMI-FIELD CONDITIONS
   DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY OF AN INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVE PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR RHIPICEPHALUS TICKS
   MODELING A RIFT VALLEY FEVER RISK SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM FOR THE US USING REMOTELY SENSED ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
   DEPLOYED WARFIGHTER PROTECTION RESEARCH PROGRAM (FY 2012)
   SUGAR BAITS INCORPORATING DSRNA FOR MOSQUITO AND SAND FLY CONTROL
   Evaluation of repellents, inhibitors, barrier treatments, and ULV insecticides, and other new products in a Southern California desert habit
   Testing and Validation of Fielded Mosquito Control Spray Equipment and Insecticides to Protect Personnel from Mosquito-borne Diseases
   Bite Protection Evaluation of Permethrin-Treated United States Navy Working Uniforms (NWUs) for the First Article Qualification
   Bite Protection Evaluation of United States Army Uniforms: Uniform Fabrics Supplied by Propper
   Bite Protection Evaluatuion of Permethrin-Treated U.S. Military Uniform Fabrics for Optimization of Treatments for First Article Qualificati
 
 
Last Modified: 05/25/2013
ARS Home | USDA.gov | Site Map | Policies and Links 
FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Nondiscrimination Statement | Information Quality | USA.gov | White House