EFFICACY OF A FLOWABLE CONCENTRATE FORMULATION OF BACILLUS-THURINGIENSIS (H-14) AGAINST LARVAL MOSQUITOS IN SOUTHERN IRAN

A flowable concentrate formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis (H-14) [Bactimos FC(R) (1000 ITU/mg)] was evaluated for the control of mosquito larvae in simulated ponds and natural breeding sites in Kazeroun (Fars Province), southern Iran. A comparison was made with Abate(R) emulsifiable concentrate. Bactimos FC caused 93-96% anopheline and 97% culicine larval mortality 24 h posttreatment in simulated ponds and natural breeding sites, when used at the rate of 0.2 cc/m2. Abate (0.015 cc/m2) resulted in significantly higher anopheline (98.1%) and culicine (100%) mortality at 24 h posttreatment. There was a relatively sharp decline in larval mortality 48 h posttreatment when Bactimos FC was applied. Five-day applications were suggested to prevent pupal production.