Potential of Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis for mosquito malaria vector control in Kenya.
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Date
1989Author
Mukiama, Titus K.
Kahindi, JHP
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The main vectors of malaria in Kenya are Anopheles arabiensis, An. gambiae and An.
funestus. In the Mwea Rice Irrigation Scheme of Central Kenya, Art arabiensis is the
principal vector, accounting for over 83% of the total anopheline population. Larval
breeding takes place from late March to mid-December. The population peaks correspond
to the rainy seasons in April-May and October- November. The flooding phase of the rice
cycle in August, an otherwise dry season, is the link that enables continuous breeding for
nine months. The use of biological larvicides that are not only innocuous to other aquatic
organisms but also environmentally safe is a desirable component of any futureintegTated
control stralegy Bacillus thuringiensis var (B.t.i.) has already been shown to be a
promising agent of riceland mosquito control in Kenya. Laboratory tests have indicated
that the LC 50's for An. arabiensis and An. gambiae are 1.86 x 10-6 and 2.05x10-6B.t.i./ml
respectively. Limited field testing with commercial preparations was commendably
effective, but the larvicidal activity of the suspensions had limited persistence. It is
suggested that further field testing with B.t.i. and more screening for local strains of B.t.
should be encouraged in the future.
Citation
T.K., M, J.H.P.Kahindi. 1989. Potential of Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis for mosquito malaria vector control in Kenya.. Israel J.Entomol. 23:69-76.Publisher
University of Nairobi College of biological and physical science