Repellency of aerosol and cream products containing fennel oil to mosquitoes under laboratory and field conditions

The repellency of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller)-containing products (5% aerosol and 8% cream) against mosquitoes was compared with those of citronella oil, geranium oil and deet, as well as three commercial repellents, Baby Keeper cream containing IR3535, MeiMei cream containing citronella and geranium oils, and Repellan S aerosol containing 19% N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (deet) under laboratory and field conditions. In a laboratory study with female Aedes aegypti (L), fennel oil exhibited good repellency in a release-in-cage test and repellency in skin and patch tests of the oil was comparable with those of citronella and geranium oils. In paddy field tests with five human volunteers, 5% and 8% fennel oil-containing aerosol and cream produced 84% and 70% repellency, respectively, at 90 min after exposure, whereas Baby Keeper cream and MeiMei cream gave 71% and 57% repellency at 90 min after exposure, respectively, and Repellan S aerosol gave 89% repellency at 210 min. The species and ratio of mosquitoes collected were the genera Culex (44.1%), Anopheles (42.2%), Aedes (7.8%) and Armigeres (5.9%). Fennel oil-containing products could be useful for protection from humans and domestic animals from vector-borne diseases and nuisance caused by mosquitoes.     

Arbovirus isolations from mosquitoes in South Slovakia.

In the years 1973 and 1975 mosquitoes and some other Diptera (Tabanidae, Simuliidae, Hippoboscidae) were tested for virus. 13,924 mosquitoes, 75 horseflies and 60 blackflies were processed in 1973. Five strains of Tahyna virus were isolated from mosquito species Aedes vexans. 3,378 mosquitoes and 12 sheep keds were tested for virus in 1975. Twelve strains of Calovo virus were isolated from Anopheles maculipennis and one strain of Tahyna virus was obtained from Aedes vexans mosquitoes.     

两种罗索线虫对不同蚊种的自然感染及实验研究

1984年在河南信阳地区发现两种蚊体寄生索线虫,在同一孳生地内生长繁殖,分别寄生于中华按蚊和致倦库蚊及三带喙库蚊等幼虫体内,自然寄生率为5.48％、4.32％、5.82％。通过人工感染试验,感染率均较高,可达61.5％～95.7％。试验证明两者对按蚊和库蚊具有显然不同的生理特性。这两种罗索线虫在稻田、田沟等多种水体内均有孳生,宿主范围广泛,有应用价值。     

Tick repellents: Past, present, and future

Ticks are important vectors of human and animal diseases. One important protective measure against ticks is the use of personal arthropod repellents. Deet and the synthetic pyrethroid permethrin currently serve as the primary personal protective measures against ticks. Concern over the safety of deet and its low repellency against some tick species has led to a search for new user-approved, efficacious tick repellents. In this article, we review the history and efficacy of tick repellents, discovery of new repellents, and areas in need of attention such as assay methodology, repellent formulation, and the lack of information about the physiology of repellency.     

球形芽孢杆菌Ts—1对十种蚊幼虫毒效测定

用球形芽孢杆菌Ts—1冻干菌粉,对国内10种蚊幼虫生物测定的结果表明,不同蚊种之间敏感性有很大差异。库蚊属蚊虫(特别是淡色库蚊和致倦库蚊)对Ts—1敏感性很高,按蚊其次,而伊蚊属除东乡伊蚊外对Ts—1均不敏感。此外,同一蚊种不同地理株之间,对Ts一1的敏感性也有显著差异。     

Some laboratory investigations relevant to the possible use of new pyrethroids in control of mosquitoes and tsetse flies

Cypermethrin, fenvalerate, permethrin, (S)-α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (1R,cis)-3-(2, 2-dibromovinyl)-2, 2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (NRDC 161) and (R,S)-α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl 2, 2,3, 3-tetramethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (S-3206; WL 41706) have been tested against adult mosquitoes (Anopheles stephensi) and tsetse flies (Glossina austeni). They possess many of the necessary characteristics such as high intrinsic toxicity, low volatility, and high stability but vary considerably in the contact action of their spray residues.     

Synthesis and Mosquito Repellent Properties of 2,2-Dialkyl- and 2-Alkyl-4,4-dimethyl-N-acetyloxazolidines

Nineteen novel N-acetyl-2,2-dialkyloxazolidines ( 2 ) and N-acetyl-2-alkyl-4,4-dimethyloxazolidines ( 3 ) were synthesized from commercially available carbonyl compounds and ethanolamine or 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol. Their bioactivity against laboratory-reared mosquitoes was compared in patch tests to known N-acetyl-2-alkyloxazolidines ( 1 ) and N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (deet insect repellent). Isomeric composition measurements by [¹³C]NMR spectroscopy favoured the Z rotational isomer for samples of 2 (91–96% Z) and the E rotational isomer for samples of 3 (66–71% E), in agreement with molecular mechanics calculations on rotational isomers of model oxazolidines. Samples of 1 were previously shown to exist in solution mostly as the Z isomer (60–70% Z). Within the optimal molecular weight range for these experimental chemicals, the duration of repellency against Aedes aegypti (L.), Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say and Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann generally followed the order: 1 > 2 >deet> 3 . Bioassay data are discussed in relation to the equilibrium populations of rotational isomers for substituted N-acetyloxazolidines.     

Lack of cross-resistance to Mtx1 from Bacillus sphaericus in B. sphaericus-resistant Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

The toxicities of Mtx1 toxin against dipteran and lepidopteran species have been evaluated in this study. It was shown that Mtx1 has little or no toxicity to the tested lepidopteran species, but has moderate-level toxicity to Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) and high-level toxicity to both susceptible and binary toxin-resistant Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae). The LC(50) values of Mtx1 against a susceptible C. quinquefasciatus colony SLCq and two resistant colonies RLCq1/C3-41 and RLCq2/IAB59 selected in the laboratory with Bacillus sphaericus (Mayer & Neide) strains C3-41 and IAB59 respectively were 0.508, 0.854 and 0.675 mg L(-1) respectively. The data indicate that Mtx1 has a different mode of action from the binary toxin, and that it could be an alternative toxin to delay or overcome resistance development to binary toxin in C. quinquefasciatus.     

豫南罗索线虫感染库蚊、伊蚊和阿蚊的实验研究

试验的伊蚊、库蚊和阿蚊,对豫南罗索线虫均表现敏感,当蚊幼与线幼虫数之比为1:5时,4种伊蚊的感染率均在95％以上;致倦库蚊和三带喙库蚊的感染率分别为98.6％和97.1％,骚扰阿蚊为66.4％。线虫在蚊体内发育良好,感染度亦较高,表明此线虫具有应用前景。     

The effect of tolypin in Tolypocladium niveum crude extract against mosquito and blackfly larvae in the laboratory

The efficacy of tolypin against mosquito and blackfly larvae was studied under laboratory conditions. It was tested against Culex molestus, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles maculipennis, Simulium noelleri and Odagmia ornata. A concentration 0.1 mg/ml caused 100% mortality in all species tested and a concentration 0.001 mg/ml caused 100% mortality only in the two species of blackflies used within 24 hours.     

Insecticidal potency of novel compounds on multiple insect species of medical and veterinary importance

BACKGROUND: Vector‐borne diseases continue to present significant threats to human, animal and plant health. Mosquitoes, houseflies, sand flies and stable flies are well‐known vectors of several human and animal pathogens. The toxicity of selected semiochemicals with molecular structures indicative of insecticidal activity was determined against these insect species with the aim of developing novel insecticides toxic to multiple insect species. RESULTS: Three semiochemicals, namely beta‐damascone, cyclemone A and melafleur, showed remarkable toxicity to three mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti L., Ae. albopictus (Skuse) and Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say, the housefly, Musca domestica L., the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans L., and the sand fly, Lutzomyia shannoni (Dyar). The chemicals were equally toxic to several field‐collected permethrin‐tolerant housefly strains. When formulated as 500 mL L^?1 emulsifiable concentrates, the chemicals demonstrated stability and toxicity on filter paper and camouflage military fabrics, with persistence up to 8 days under laboratory conditions. The chemicals were equally effective under field conditions when evaluated on unpainted plywood panels, although a higher dosage was required under field conditions to achieve similar efficacy. CONCLUSION: Laboratory quantification of LC₅₀ values and field efficacy of three semiochemicals as formulated compounds on mosquitoes, houseflies, stable flies and sand flies showed that these semiochemicals could serve as potent insecticides for multiple insect species. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of different formulations of deltamethrin in comparison with permethrin for impregnation of netting

Five formulations of deltamethrin and one of permethrin were impregnated into cotton and nylon netting and tested for their efficacy and persistence in killing Anopheles gambiae Giles which were attempting to penetrate the netting in search of blood meals. Emulsifiable concentrates persisted better than wettable powders of deltamethrin, and all the deltamethrin formulations performed better than permethrin, even though the latter was applied at an eight times higher dose. The insecticidal effect of both compounds persisted better on nylon than on cotton; it was adversely affected by repeated washing.     

Insecticide resistance in vector mosquitoes in China

Because of their special behaviour, physiology and close relationship with humans, mosquitoes act as one of the most important vectors of human diseases, such as filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, dengue and malaria. The major vector mosquitoes are members of the Culex, Aedes and Anopheles genera. Insecticides play important roles in agricultural production and public health, especially in a country with a huge human population, like China. Large quantities of four classes of insecticides, organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids, are applied annually to fields or indoors in China, directly or indirectly bringing heavy selection pressure on vector populations. The seven major species of vector mosquito in China are the Culex pipiens L. complex, C. tritaeniorhynchus Giles, Anopheles sinensis Wied., A. minimus Theobald, A. anthropophagus Xu & Feng, Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Ae. aegypti L., and all have evolved resistance to all the above types of insecticide except the carbamates. The degree of resistance varies among mosquito species, insecticide classes and regions. This review summarizes the resistance status of these important vector mosquitoes, according to data reported since the 1990s, in order to improve resistance management and epidemic disease control, and to communicate this information from China to the wider community.     

The cross-resistance to pyrethrins and eight synthetic pyrethroids,of an organophosphorus-resistant strain of the rust-red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (herbst)

Comparisons with standard susceptible insects showed that a strain of Tribolium castaneum, with a specific resistance to malathion and its carboxylic ester analogues, had no cross-resistance to topical applications of natural pyrethrins. Another strain of T. castaneum, showing resistance to many organophosphorus (OP) insecticides, was cross-resistant to pyrethrins ( × 34) and eight synthetic pyrethroids also applied topically; least cross-resistance occurred with resmethrin ( × 2.2), bioresmethrin ( × 3.3) and phenothrin ( × 4.0). Generally larger resistance factors were recorded with formulations synergised by piperonyl butoxide (PB). The greatest cross-resistance encountered was with unsynergised tetramethrin ( × 338). Apart from tetramethrin, factors of synergism did not exceed 5.7 with either the susceptible or multi-OP resistant strains. PB antagonised six of the nine pyrethroids against the multi-OP resistant strain. Antagonism also occurred with two of these six, permethrin (cis: trans ratio 1:3) and 5-prop-2-ynylfurfuryl ( 1RS)-cis,trans-chrysanthemate (‘Prothrin’), against the susceptible strain. Considering only formulations without the synergist, the most effective compounds against the susceptible strain, relative to pyrethrins, were bioresmethrin (2.7) and permethrin (2.4). Similarly with the multi-OP resistant strain the most effective compounds were bioresmethrin (28), resmethrin (14) and permethrin (6.6). Thus the LD₅₀ (the dose required to kill 50% of the test species) for bioresmethrin against the resistant strain (0.14 μg) only slightly exceeded the LD₅₀ for pyrethrins against the susceptible strain (0.12 μg).     

Thermal behaviour and biological activity against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) of permethrin and pyriproxyfen in a smoke‐generating formulation

BACKGROUND: The most common ways to control dengue vector Aedes aegypti (L.) are larval source reduction in domestic habitats and ground application of small quantities of aerosol insecticide (ultralow volume). Nevertheless, these actions have been shown repeatedly to be ineffective in controlling Ae. aegypti populations. RESULTS: The efficacy of a new smoke‐generating formulation containing pyriproxyfen and permethrin was evaluated in the laboratory. Smoke‐generating tablets containing each insecticide individually or combined were prepared, and the recovery of the insecticides from the smoke was determined. Recovery values of over 90% were obtained for pyriproxyfen, and around 50% for permethrin. The biological efficacy of pyriproxyfen released in the smoke was evaluated in the laboratory, on late third‐instar or early fourth‐instar Ae. aegypti larvae, using different concentrations of pyriproxyfen and exposure times. Adult emergence inhibition (EI) values of 100% were obtained at 30 min, and a dose‐dependent effect was observed at 5 min. The effect of pyriproxyfen released in the smoke was due to direct contact with the larvicide in the water rather than by inhalation of the fumes. The efficacy of permethrin released in the fumes was also evaluated as knockdown effect (KT₅₀) on adults for a tablet containing permethrin alone or permethrin plus pyriproxyfen. There was no significant difference in KT₅₀ values obtained for permethrin (KT₅₀ = 19.9 min) and permethrin plus pyriproxyfen (KT₅₀ = 19.4 min). CONCLUSION: The excellent laboratory performance of this new formulation on immature stages and adults indicates that a smoke‐generating tablet containing pyriproxyfen and permethrin could be a new tool for controlling mosquitoes. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Compounds from Ageratum conyzoides: isolation, structural elucidation and insecticidal activity

This work aimed at identifying plant compounds with insecticidal activity against Diaphania hyalinata (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Musca domestica (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), Periplaneta americana (L.) (Blattodea: Blattidae) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae). The plant species used were: basil (Ocimum selloi Benth.), rue (Ruta graveolens L.), lion's ear (Leonotis nepetaefolia L.), Jimson weed (Datura stramonium L.), 'baleeira' herb (Cordia verbenaceae L.), mint (Mentha piperita L.), wild balsam apple (Mormodica charantia L.) and billy goat weed (Ageratum conyzoides L.). Firstly, the insecticidal activities of hexane and ethanol plant extracts were evaluated against adults of R. dominica. Among them, only the hexane extract of A. conyzoides showed insecticidal activity. The hexane extract of this plant species was therefore fractionated by silica gel column chromatography to isolate and purify its bioactive chemical constituents. Three compounds were identified using IR spectra, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, HMBC and NOE after gel chromatography: 5,6,7,8,3', 4', 5'-heptamethoxyflavone, 5,6,7,8,3'-pentamethoxy-4', 5'-methylenedioxyflavone and coumarin. The complete assignment of (13)C NMR to 5,6,7,8,3'-pentamethoxy-4', 5'-methylenedioxyflavone was successfully made for the first time. 5,6,7,8,3'-Pentamethoxy-4', 5'-methylenedioxyflavone did not show any insecticidal activity against the four insect species tested. 5,6,7,8,3', 4', 5'-Heptamethoxyflavone showed low activity against D. hyalinata and R. dominica and was not toxic to M. domestica or P. americana. In contrast, coumarin showed insecticidal activity against all four insect pest species tested, with the following order of susceptibility: R. dominica < P. americana < D. hyalinata < M. domestica after 24 h exposure.     

A new aqueous suspension concentrate formulation of cis‐permethrin and its insecticidal activity

Isomers of pyrethroids usually have different insecticidal activities. Permethrin, a non‐cyano pyrethroid, is not an exception and cis‐permethrin is much more active than the trans‐isomer against Triatoma infestans, vector of Chagas' Disease in Argentina. The large‐scale separation of cis‐ and trans‐permethrin was performed by successive recrystallizations from ethanol‐water mixtures. An aqueous suspension concentrate (flowable) formulation of pure crystalline cis‐permethrin was prepared and assayed for its insecticidal activity on wood and ceramic surfaces against nymph V of T infestans. This formulation was at least three times more effective than deltamethrin, with LC₅₀ values on ceramic of 0.11 µg cm⁻² and 0.33 µg cm⁻² respectively. On wood surfaces, the LC₅₀ value was 0.57 µg cm⁻² compared with 3.20 µg cm⁻² for deltamethrin. Against other insect species such as Periplaneta americana, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, the suspension concentrate formulation of cis‐permethrin was, however, less effective than similar formulations of deltamethrin or β‐cypermethrin. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Estimating buffer zone widths for pesticide applications

A technique for estimating the width of buffer zones required around sensitive areas during pesticide applications has been devised and tested. The technique has been used to estimate the buffer width required around water bodies during ground-based permethrin applications in Canadian forests to prevent significant impact on fish and their food populations. A worst- case scenario was developed for environmental impact in water bodies result ing from ground-based permethrin applications, and a spray application was made under these worst-case conditions. Permethrin deposit on ground sheets was measured downwind of overlaid crosswind swaths. From these measurements the deposit at various downwind distances from a single crosswind swath was calculated, and a curvilinear regression line fitted to these values. Permethrin deposit downwind of multiple-swath applications was computed by adding the contributions from individual swaths. Mortality resulting from various permethrin concentrations was measured for Aedes aegypti larvae. Although these larvae are not an important food species for the fish species of interest, salmon and trout, they are more sensitive to permethrin than most aquatic invertebrates. Predicted mortality in populations of this species and Salmo gairdneri, rainbow trout, at various downwind distances from the permethrin application was calculated from the toxicological and spray-cloud dispersal data. Buffer width was estimated by choosing an acceptably low mortality, and determining the downwind distance at which this value was obtained. For example, a 20 m swath width was found to be adequate to limit mortality in A. aegypti andS. gairdneri populations to 10 and 0.1% during ground-based permethrin applications.     

Preliminary studies on the insecticidal activity and wash-fastness of twelve pyrethroid treatments impregnated into bednetting assayed against mosquitoes

The insecticidal properties of twelve pyrethroid preparations impregnated into polyester netting were compared, before and after washing, with a view to assessing their suitability for treating bednets (mosquito nets) in the field. Bioassays were carried out by exposing the mosquitoes, Anopheles gambiae Giles sensu stricto andAedes aegypti L. to netting with two concentrations of insecticide, on washed and unwashed samples, for 30 s and 3 min at different times after impregnation. Mortality was recorded after 24 h. Permethrin applied at 97°C at pH 3.4 resulted in increased uptake by polyester fibres. The performance of most insecticides on unwashed netting had not declined appreciably 12 weeks after impregnation. However, all the insecticides were depleted by washing. The treatments with best insecticidal activity after washing were cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin applied at ambient temperature and normal pH and permethrin applied in a hot acid solution.     

Laboratory selected resistance to diflubenzuron in larvae of aedes aegypti

The variation in tolerance to diflubenzuron [1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)urea] was examined in fourth instar larvae of seven strains of Aedes aegypti, some of which were resistant to DDT and permethrin. The difference between the least and the most tolerant to diflubenzuron was approximately two-fold. There was no correlation with resistance to the other insecticides. A DDT-resistant strain (T8) was selected 10 times (during 12 generations) with diflubenzuron. The LC₅₀ to diflubenzuron had increased 3.3 times by the S₈ generation but there was no further increase in later generations despite further selection. Associated with this increase, a marked decrease in resistance to DDT was observed but no change in permethrin tolerance. A genetically enriched strain (Hotchpotch) was synthesised from 35 strains of different geographic origin and crossed to the selected T8 strain before subsequent generations were selected five times with diflubenzuron. This procedure resulted in an 8 to 12-fold increase in the LC₅₀ value over that for unselected T8, accompanied by a decrease in the slope of the log dose against probit mortality line.