THE ROLE OF BIOLOGICAL-CONTROL OF MOSQUITOS IN INTEGRATED VECTOR CONTROL

An integrated approach for the control of mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit will better enable sustainable control while helping to circumvent some of the problems associated with the use of conventiona l insecticides. Environmental methods and biological control are alter natives to chemical control and are key components of the integrated s trategy. The use of vertebrate and invertebrate predators and entomopa thogens as biological control agents and their role in integrated cont rol programs is reviewed with emphasis on fish, Toxorhynchites mosquit oes, Notonecta species, predatory copepods, entomopathogenic bacteria, and the fungus Lagenidium giganteum. The successful implementation of these organisms will depend on an in-depth understanding of the ecolo gy of both the targeted species and the biological control agents to b e used. Thorough geographic reconnaissance will also be essential for the successful abatement of pest and vector mosquitoes. The success an d sustainability of future programs, especially in developing countrie s, will rely not only on the use of the most appropriate technologies but also on the direct participation of the affected communities. Poss ible undesirable effects of biological control are also reviewed.