ULTRALOW VOLUME APPLICATION OF BACILLUS-THURINGIENSIS SSP ISRAELENSISFOR THE CONTROL OF MOSQUITOS

Evaluation of the effectiveness of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. israele nsis (B.t.i.) against mosquito larvae dispersed by ultralow volume (UL V) spraying was conducted in simulated field trials. Effectiveness was measured using 3 different indicators: larval mortality, colony-formi ng unit enumeration, and droplet analysis. B.t.i. was dispersed with a ULV generator using 2 different flow rates: 0.3 and 0.5 liter/min on 2 different days. Based on the results of this study, it can be conclu ded that an output of 0.3 liter/min is effective for controlling Aedes aegypti, although a dosage of 0.5 liter/min can be used when high res idual activity is desired. For Culex quinquefasciatus control both dos ages were effective but with low residual activity. For Anopheles macu latus control, only a discharge rate of 0.5 liter/min was effective wi th low residual activity. B.t.i. application at both dosages penetrate d tires well, indicating that B.t.i. ULV application is an effective m ethod for controlling container-inhabiting mosquitoes. Good coverage o f target area and penetration were attributed to satisfactory droplet profiles.