Pseudomonas protegens Affects Mosquito Survival and Development

This study investigated the pathogenic potential of Pseudomonas protegens on mosquito larvae of the two species Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus, representing major threats for disease transmission in the Mediterranean area and worldwide. The bacterium achieved to kill over 90% of the mosquito larvae within 72 h after exposition to a bacterial concentration of 100 million CFU/ml. These lethal effects were concentration dependent and a significantly higher susceptibility was associated with younger larvae of both mosquito species. Significant slowdown of immature (larval and pupal) development and decrease in adult emergence rate after treatment with sub-lethal doses of the bacterium were also detected. This study reports for the first time the insecticidal activity of a root-associated biocontrol bacterium against aquatic mosquito larvae.

Automated summary

This study examines the potential pathogenicity of Pseudomonas protegens on mosquito larvae, specifically Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus, which are major threats for disease transmission in the Mediterranean area and worldwide. The bacterium was able to kill over 90% of the mosquito larvae within 72 hours at a concentration of 100 million CFU/ml, with younger larvae being more susceptible. Furthermore, sub-lethal doses of the bacterium also significantly affected the development and emergence rate of the immature stages. This study is the first to report the insecticidal activity of a root-associated biocontrol bacterium against aquatic mosquito larvae.