Evaluation of methionine as a larvicide, and its potential for use in mosquito IPM

Mosquito larvicides are an effective means of source reduction, controlling the population size so that the number of adult females that are present to bite and potentially spread pathogenic organisms is decreased. Currently utilized mosquito larvicides include insect growth regulators, organophosphates, oils and microbial agents. As resistance has developed to the organophosphate, e.g. temephos, and microbial, e.g. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, larvicides that are commonly used, alternatives are urgently needed. Our study aims to evaluate the toxicity of methionine, an essential amino acid, as a mosquito larvicide alone and in combination with existing larval control techniques. To date efficacy of methionine as a larvicide against all larval instars of Aedes albopictus and Anopheles quadrimaculatus has been demonstrated. Testing with Culex tarsalis is currently in progress. Providing that the effect of on non-target organisms is minimal, methionine could provide a valuable addition to a mosquito IPM program.