Dynamics in Aedes populations in the Western Province and the feasibility of using Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for integrated control of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in Sri Lanka
Postgraduate Student
Jeevanie Harishchandra, Anti Malaria Campaign Headquarters, Narahenpita,Colombo 05
General objective: Study dynamics of Aedes populations and assess the feasibility of using Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for integrated control of Ae. albopictus in Sri Lanka.
Specific objectives:
- Determining fluctuation of densities of Aedes populations with climatic factors
- Estimating size, longevity and dispersal of Ae. albopictus population,
- Establishing protocols for larval and pupal separation, sex separation, feeding and male sterilization of laboratory reared Ae. albopictus mosquitoes,
- Assessing the competitiveness of the irradiated laboratory reared male Ae. albopictus mosquitoes against wild males under laboratory and semi-field conditions.
Summary
Dynamics of Aedes Populations
This project will be carried out in two Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas representing two districts in the western province. Larval surveys for Aedes sps. will be conducted monthly and the density indices; (House Index (HI), Container Index (CI) and Breateau Index (BI)) will be calculated. Ovitrap collections and adult collections for Aedes sp. will be carried out weekly. The collected data on eggs, larvae, and adult densities from two study sites will be compared and the relationship with climatic variables; rainfall, temperature will be assessed.
Population size of the wild Ae. albopictus will be estimated using Mark Release & Recapture (MRR) method. In addition, Survival (longevity) and dispersal of the wild and laboratory reared Ae. Albopictus males will be estimated using Mark Release & Recapture (MRR) method.
Feasibility of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)
Feasibility of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for integrated control of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes will be assessed under this project. Methods for larval/pupal separation and male/female pupae separation of Ae. albopictus will be developed. Different blood sources will be tested to find out the best source of blood for the use in mass scale rearing. Ae. albopictus males will be sterilized using Gamma radiation and optimum dose of radiation will be determined to give 99-100% sterility. The competitiveness for mating of irradiated males against non-irradiated males of Ae. Albopictus will be assessed in laboratory cages as well as in semi-field cages. This study will help to find out the feasibility of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for controlling Ae. albopictus mosquitoes in Sri Lanka.
Dynamics of Aedes Populations
This project will be carried out in two Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas representing two districts in the western province. Larval surveys for Aedes sps. will be conducted monthly and the density indices; (House Index (HI), Container Index (CI) and Breateau Index (BI)) will be calculated. Ovitrap collections and adult collections for Aedes sp. will be carried out weekly. The collected data on eggs, larvae, and adult densities from two study sites will be compared and the relationship with climatic variables; rainfall, temperature will be assessed.
Population size of the wild Ae. albopictus will be estimated using Mark Release & Recapture (MRR) method. In addition, Survival (longevity) and dispersal of the wild and laboratory reared Ae. Albopictus males will be estimated using Mark Release & Recapture (MRR) method.
Feasibility of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)
Feasibility of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for integrated control of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes will be assessed under this project. Methods for larval/pupal separation and male/female pupae separation of Ae. albopictus will be developed. Different blood sources will be tested to find out the best source of blood for the use in mass scale rearing. Ae. albopictus males will be sterilized using Gamma radiation and optimum dose of radiation will be determined to give 99-100% sterility. The competitiveness for mating of irradiated males against non-irradiated males of Ae. Albopictus will be assessed in laboratory cages as well as in semi-field cages. This study will help to find out the feasibility of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for controlling Ae. albopictus mosquitoes in Sri Lanka.