Field evaluation of Spicbiomoss, a biolarvicidal formulation of Bacillus sphaericus against immatures of Culex quinquefasciatus & Anopheles species

Spicbiomoss, an aqueous suspension formulation of Bacillus sphaericus was e valuated for its efficacy against immatures of Culex quinquefasciatus at th e application rate of 120 l/ha in cement tanks, cesspits and drains in Pond icherry and in drains in Kochi, Kerala. The formulation was also tested aga inst anophelines (Anopheles fluviatilis and An. culicifacies) breeding in s tream pools in Malkangiri district, Orissa, In cement tanks and cesspits mo re than 80 per cent reduction in immature density was observed for a period of 6-13 days (mean 9,8 +/- 1.25 days) and 3-8 days (mean 5.2+/-0.7 days) r espectively. The same level of reduction was found to last for 1-4 days (me an 2.2 +/- 0.52 days) in drains in Pondicherry and 2-9 days (mean 4.8 +/- 1 .17 days) in Kochi. In bunded stream pools 40-79 per cent reduction in imma ture density of Anopheles was obtained for an average period of 1-7 (mean 3 .83 +/- 0.98) days. There was no improvement in the efficacy of the formula tion against anophelines even at the higher application rate (240 l/ha). Th us, Spicbiomoss can be used, against Cx.. quinquefasciatus in an integrated vector management programme.