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Effect of larval diets on the life table parameters of dengue mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) using age-stage two sex life table theory

Summary

Researchers tested four different larval diets to find the best way to raise dengue mosquitoes in laboratories for a disease control program. They measured how well mosquitoes grew, survived, and reproduced on each diet. A modified recipe containing beans, corn, wheat, chickpea, rice, and beef liver worked best, producing healthier and more numerous offspring that could be used in mosquito control efforts.

Background

Aedes aegypti is a major vector of dengue fever, which affects over 400 million people annually worldwide. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) requires mass rearing of healthy, competitive males for disease control. Larval diet quality directly impacts adult quality and fitness in mosquito mass rearing programs.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of four different larval diets on life table parameters of Aedes aegypti using age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The study compared Diet 1 (replacement diet with mushroom powder), Diet 2 (Khan’s diet for Anopheles), Diet 3 (Khan’s modified diet), and Diet 4 (IAEA diet control).

Results

Diet 3 (Khan’s modified diet) showed the highest intrinsic rate of increase (0.097±5.68 day⁻¹), finite rate of increase (1.10±6.26 day⁻¹), and net reproductive rate (11.99±1.52 eggs/female), with the shortest mean generation time (23.67±0.86 days). Diet 3 also produced the highest gross reproductive rate (112.49±16.09 offspring). Egg hatching was highest for Diet 4 and Diet 3 (73.86% and 72.90% respectively).

Conclusion

Diet 3 (Khan’s modified diet) demonstrated superior performance across multiple life table parameters for Aedes aegypti and is recommended as the preferred larval diet for mass culturing in sterile insect technique programs for dengue control. The modified diet offers better nutritional support for developing competitive and healthy males.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMID: 37488190, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39270-8
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