Abstract
This review attempts to give an account on the recent advances on the killifish Aphanius dispar dispar as a biological control agent for mosquito larvae. Thirty six (36) articles of literature (scientific papers, technical and workshop reports) on this subject covering the period between 1980 and 2009 were reviewed. The larviciding process by using chemicals to control mosquitoes in the past resulted in a very harmful effects on the environment (bioaccumulation of DDT), resistance of mosquito vectors, destruction of non-target organisms and human health hazards. Biological control of mosquito larvae by using fish has shown many advantages over chemicals, but exogenous fishes such as Gambusia affinis may have negative effects on fishes and destroy the local habitat. Eco-friendly indigenous larvivorous fish with less harm to the environment and the local fish fauna is suitable for biological control of mosquito larvae. Furthermore, A. dispar is capable of natural and artificial reproduction to maintain a fish stock in order to eliminate mosquito larvae and protect people from many mosquito borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, rift valley fever (RVF), encephalitis and many others (Suliman, 2010). Hence, the indigenous killifish, A. dispar is found to play this role effectively and efficiently. Problems associated with its artificial breeding and fungal infection of its eggs can be further investigated. In addition to this, integrated methods of biological control should be carried out in order to reach the best targets of mosquito control. Key words: Biological control, mosquito larvae, indigenous fish, Aphanius dispar.
Highlights
Different methods of mosquito larvae control are used throughout history, and they include both chemical and biological methods
This review present analyzing literature on A. dispar as a biological control agent in different parts of the world with special reference to Saudi Arabia and Gulf region
Treatment of adult female mosquitoes with insecticides was considered to be the best way to control the vector of malaria, but this method ignores a fundamental biological difference between mosquito adults and larval stages that precede them, while adults are highly mobile, the larvae are confined within relatively small aquatic habitat and their biological control with the larvivorous fishes can be more easier (Killeen et al, 2002)
Summary
Different methods of mosquito larvae control are used throughout history, and they include both chemical and biological methods. Chemicals can affect non target populations and mosquito develop resistance against them (Kumar and Hwang, 2006; Thavaselvam, et al 1993). The biological methods involve the uses of natural enemies and biotoxins to era-dicate mosquito vectors. Mosquito larvae habitat should be changed in order to reduce or eliminate malaria transmission which is known as the environmental management (Walker, 2002; WHO, 1980, 1982). Environmental modification includes the physical modification of mosquito breeding areas in order to change vector habitat. Mosquito breeding sites are reduced by filling small ponds or depresssions of water collection, changing banks of water impoundments, and straitening stream and river banks to reduce vegetations and vector populations (Thavasagayam, 1985). The careful design and regular maintenance are important components of environmental modification (Walker, 2002)
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