Abstract
Watermelon rind (WMR) discarded as bio-organic waste, is rich in carbohydrates. The present study emphasises the utilisation of this solid waste for the production of biopesticide (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, Bti), to control disease transmitting mosquito vectors. An experimental culture medium was prepared by extracting the filtrates from WMR. A conventional culture medium (Luria bertani, LB) was also prepared. The studies revealed that the quantity of mosquitocidal toxins produced from WMR-based medium (WMR+MnCl2+soyabean) is at par with LB. The bacteria produced in these media, were bioassayed against mosquito vectors (Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti) and it was found that the toxic effect was statistically comparable. Cost-effective analysis has revealed that, production of biopesticides from experimental medium is highly economical. Therefore, the study is very important, as it possesses dual benefits of effective utilisation of environmental waste and efficient production of mosquitocidal toxins.
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