Applied Entomology and Zoology (2002) 37, 365-371

Subbiah Poopathi and Brij K. Tyagi (2002)
Studies on Bacillus sphaericus toxicity-related resistance development and biology in the filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) from South India
Applied Entomology and Zoology 37 (3), 365-371
Abstract: The use of Bacillus sphaericus (Bs) as a potential biolarvicide in India is limited due to development of resistance by the target mosquito species. Observations on the biological processes of development and resistance in the Bs susceptible population of Culex quinquefasciatus have provided good insight towards developing a better control strategy for vector mosquitoes. In a laboratory evaluation, C. quinquefasciatus susceptible to Bs attained a high resistance level (70 and 90.5 fold) at LC₅₀ and LC₉₅ levels, with several important underlying factors involving binding of Bs toxic molecules to the receptor proteins at the site of action. The resistant larvae showed insignificant variation from susceptible larvae in biological features, especially pre-oviposition period, number of egg rafts laid, incubation period, hatching percentage, stadial period, adult longevity and mortality rate. However, in vitro binding assays showed a significant reduction in the affinity of Bs toxin for the membrane receptors in the resistant strain compared to the susceptible strain.
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Database assignments for author(s): Subbiah Poopathi

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
resistance/tolerance/defence of host

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Culex quinquefasciatus		India
Lysinibacillus sphaericus (entomopathogen)	Culex quinquefasciatus		India