Chitin synthesis inhibitor effect on Aedes aegypti populations susceptible and resistant to organophosphate temephos

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, dengue vector control is hampered by the resistance of Aedes aegypti L. populations to organophosphates (OPs). Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are a promising alternative, as their mechanisms of action are different from those of conventional insecticides. The authors analysed the effect of the IGR triflumuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, on the Ae. aegypti insecticide-susceptible strain Rockefeller, as well as on field populations both susceptible (TemS) and resistant (TemR) to the OP temephos. RESULTS: Triflumuron arrested development and inhibited adult emergence of the Rockefeller strain in a dose-dependent way (EI50 and EI90 of 0.8 and 1.8 mu g L-1 respectively). A direct relationship between triflumuron concentration and the precocity of its effects was evident. TemS and TemR temephos resistance ratios (RR90) were 4.5 and 13.8, triflumuron RR90 being 1.0 and 1.3 respectively. CONCLUSION: The IGR triflumuron exhibited a dose-dependent effect against the reference Ae. aegypti Rockefeller strain. It was also effective against two field populations, regardless of their OP resistance status. The present results are discussed in the context of utilization of chitin synthesis inhibitors as potential alternatives in the control of Ae. aegypti in Brazil. (C) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry.