ABSTRACT

Control of the disease vectors through entomopathogenic microorganisms is an efficient alternative to chemical control measures using insecticides. Chemical control has shown notable efficiency in vector management. However, the resistance developed in vectors against insecticides and its bioaccumulation has been a major concern and is an impediment in achieving the desired goal. Entomopathogens such as bacteria, virus, protozoa, and fungi generally invade the insect gut and proliferate, leading to morbidity and mortality of the host insect. The use of entomopathogenic microorganisms to control vector mosquitoes lies in the fact that they show significant effect on vector insects and are environment friendly and ecologically sustainable. However entomopathogen-based vector control demands serious scientific assessment to evaluate the ecological impact before their approval and their wide spread application. Application of entomopathogens like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), Bacillus sphaericus (Bs), and Wolbachia sp. have received significant attention in the field of microbial control. Bacteria like Bti and Bs affect vector insects by production of toxin proteins, whereas Wolbachia sp. infection causes the development of cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) within the disease vector. Keeping in view the above, an attempt has been made to explore the perspectives of vector mosquito control using microorganisms.