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

ABSTRACT

Spicbiomoss, an aqueous suspension formulation of Bacillus sphaericus was evaluated for its efficacy against immatures of Culex quinquefasciatus at the application rate of 120 l/ha in cement tanks, cesspits and drains in Pondicherry and in drains in Kochi, Kerala. The formulation was also tested against anophelines (Anopheles fluviatilis and An. culicifacies) breeding in stream pools in Malkangiri district, Orissa. In cement tanks and cesspits more 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) respectively. The same level of reduction was found to last for 1-4 days (mean 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 immature 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 formulation against anophelines even at the higher application rate (240 l/ha). Thus, Spicbiomoss can be used against Cx. quinquefasciatus in an integrated vector management programme.