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Ioannou CS, Savvidou EC, Apocha L, Terblanche JS, Papadopoulos NT. Insecticide resistant mosquitoes remain thermal stress resistant, without loss of thermal plasticity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169443. [PMID: 38114031 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
A major component of mosquito's climate change response is their heat tolerance, and any ability to rapidly adjust to extreme environmental conditions through phenotypic plasticity. The excessive use of insecticides for the control of major mosquito species leads to resistant populations, however it is largely unclear if this concurrently impacts thermal stress resistance and their potential to adjust tolerance via phenotypic plasticity. Culex pipiens pipiens, Culex pipiens molestus and Aedes albopictus populations obtained from the same region were subjected for 12 generations to selection trials to larvicides Diflubenzuron (DFB) and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) to develop insecticide resistance. Adults emerging from the selected populations were acclimated at different temperatures and the upper and lower critical thermal limits (CTmax and CTmin) were estimated using dynamic thermal assays. In addition, the supercooling points (SCPs) of non-acclimated adults of resistant and control populations were determined. Our results revealed marked differences in thermal response among the three species, the different acclimation regimes and sexes. Aedes albopictus was more resistant in high than low temperatures compared to both Culex pipiens biotypes. Culex forms responded similarly to heat but differently to cold stress. In both forms, females responded better than males to all thermal stressors. Acclimation at higher and lower temperatures improves CTmax and CTmin values, respectively in both insecticide resistant and control populations of all three species. Overall, selection to insecticides did not affect the thermal performance of adults. Hence, insecticide-resistant mosquito populations perform similarly to untreated ones and are capable of readily adapting to new environmental changes rising concerns regarding their geographic range expansion and disease transmission globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos S Ioannou
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Greece
| | - Eleni C Savvidou
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Greece
| | - Lemonia Apocha
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Greece
| | - John S Terblanche
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Nikos T Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Greece.
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Blanco-Sierra L, Savvidou EC, Mpakovasili ED, Ioannou CS, Bartumeus F, Papadopoulos NT. Effect of water salinity on immature performance and lifespan of adult Asian tiger mosquito. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:24. [PMID: 38238765 PMCID: PMC10797731 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06069-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) is a vector for pathogens like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. Its adaptive capacity enables reproduction in temperate climates and development mainly in artificial containers with fresh water in urbanized areas. Nevertheless, breeding in coastal areas may also occur along with its aggressive invasiveness. Global warming and the consequent rise in sea levels will increase saline (> 30 ppt) or brackish (0.5-30 ppt salt) water in coastal regions. To address whether Ae. albopictus can breed in brackish water, we initiated the current study that analyses the survival of immature stages at different salinity concentrations and explores whether carryover effects occur in the resulting adults. This possible adaptation is important when considering the potential for development in new habitats and expansion of one of the world's most invasive species. METHODS We investigated the influence of salinity on the survival of Ae. albopictus larvae and adults under laboratory-controlled conditions. First instar larvae were exposed to different salinity concentrations (0 to 30 ppt) and their development time, pupation, adult emergence, and overall survival were monitored daily. We used Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models to analyze the survival rates at different salinity levels. Furthermore, life tables were constructed under each salinity concentration. RESULTS Increasing salt concentrations significantly increased the mortality risk during immature development, while no significant effect was observed on adult mortality risk. A comparison between distilled and bottled water revealed a notable increase in overall mortality risk for individuals developing in distilled water. However, no significant effects were found when analyzing survival from the first larval stage to adult emergence and adult lifespan. The life expectancy of immature stages decreased with increasing salt concentrations, although salinity concentration did not significantly impact adult life expectancy. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that Ae. albopictus, previously considered freshwater species, can successfully develop and survive in brackish waters, even in the absence of characteristic structures found in euryhaline species. These adaptations may enable Ae. albopictus to establish new breeding sites and colonize unexplored territories. Knowledge of these physiological adaptations of Ae. albopictus to salinity should be pursued to increase the range of control of the species, and to make more accurate predictions of its dispersal and vectoring ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Blanco-Sierra
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Carrer d'Accés Cala Sant Francesc, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain.
| | - Eleni C Savvidou
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str, 38446, Nea Ionia, Magnesia, Greece
| | - Evangelia D Mpakovasili
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str, 38446, Nea Ionia, Magnesia, Greece
| | - Charalampos S Ioannou
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str, 38446, Nea Ionia, Magnesia, Greece
| | - Frederic Bartumeus
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Carrer d'Accés Cala Sant Francesc, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain
- ICREA, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23, 08010, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CREAF, Ecological and Forestry Applications Research Centre, Campus de Bellaterra (UAB), 08193, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nikos T Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str, 38446, Nea Ionia, Magnesia, Greece
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Ridha MR, Marlinae L, Zubaidah T, Fadillah NA, Widjaja J, Rosadi D, Rahayu N, Ningsih M, Desimal I, Sofyandi A. Control methods for invasive mosquitoes of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Indonesia. Vet World 2023; 16:1952-1963. [PMID: 37859959 PMCID: PMC10583872 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1952-1963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The two invasive mosquito species in Indonesia are Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. These mosquitoes are a serious nuisance to humans and are also the primary vectors of several foreign pathogens, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. Efforts must be made to reduce the possibility of mosquito bites and the potential for disease transmission. Given the invasion of these two Aedes species, this approach should be considered as part of an integrated strategy to manage them. This review discusses existing and developing control techniques for invasive Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, with an emphasis on those that have been and are being used in Indonesia. Environmental, mechanical, biological (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis and Wolbachia), and chemical (e.g., insect growth regulators and pyrethroids) approaches are discussed in this review, considering their effectiveness, sustainability, and control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rasyid Ridha
- Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases Research Group, Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, Cibinong Science Center, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor KM.46, Bogor, West Java, 16915, Indonesia
| | - Lenie Marlinae
- Department of Environmental Health, Public Health Study Program, Medical Faculty, Universitas Labung Mangkurat, Jl. A. Yani, Km. 36 Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Indonesia
| | - Tien Zubaidah
- Environmental Health Program, Banjarmasin Health Polytechnic, Jl. H. Mistar Cokrokusumo No.1A, Kemuning, Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan, 70714, Indonesia
| | - Noor Ahda Fadillah
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health Study Program, Medical Faculty, Universitas Labung Mangkurat, Jl. A. Yani, Km. 36 Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Indonesia
| | - Junus Widjaja
- Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases Research Group, Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, Cibinong Science Center, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor KM.46, Bogor, West Java, 16915, Indonesia
| | - Dian Rosadi
- Department of Epidemiology, Public Health Study Program, Medical Faculty, Universitas Labung Mangkurat, Jl. A. Yani, Km. 36 Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Indonesia
| | - Nita Rahayu
- Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases Research Group, Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, Cibinong Science Center, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor KM.46, Bogor, West Java, 16915, Indonesia
| | - Murtiana Ningsih
- Public Health Study Program, Sports Sciences and Public Health Faculty, Universitas Pendidikan Mataram, Jl. Pemuda No. 59 A Mataram West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
| | - Iwan Desimal
- Public Health Study Program, Sports Sciences and Public Health Faculty, Universitas Pendidikan Mataram, Jl. Pemuda No. 59 A Mataram West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
| | - Arif Sofyandi
- Public Health Study Program, Sports Sciences and Public Health Faculty, Universitas Pendidikan Mataram, Jl. Pemuda No. 59 A Mataram West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
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Salem HH, Mohammed SH, Eltaly RI, A. M. Moustafa M, Fónagy A, Farag SM. Co-application of entomopathogenic fungi with chemical insecticides against Culex pipiens. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 198:107916. [PMID: 37004917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) is a vector of many human and animal diseases. Its control is regarded as a preventative approach that is focused on effectively managing such diseases. In this context, dose response assays of two insecticides, bendiocarb and diflubenzuron were performed with two entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against 3rd instar C. pipiens larvae. The most effective agents, combination experiments as well as enzymatic activities of phenoloxidase (PO) and chitinase (CHI) were also assessed. The results showed that diflubenzuron was more effective at low concentrations (LC50: 0.001 ppm) than bendiocarb (LC50: 0.174 ppm), whereas M. anisopliae was more effective (LC50: 5.2x105 conidia/mL) than B. bassiana (LC50: 7.5x107 conidia/mL). Synergistic interactions were observed when diflubenzuron was applied at 2- and 4-days post- exposure to M. anisopliae, with the highest degree of synergism observed when diflubenzuron was applied 2 days post-fungal exposure (χ2 = 5.77). In contrast, additive interactions were recorded with all other insecticide-fungal combinations. PO activities significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased during 24 h after a single diflubenzuron treatment as well as when diflubenzuron was applied prior to M. anisopliae, whereas suppressed after 24 h when M. anisopliae applied prior to diflubenzuron as well as after 48 h from single and combined treatments. CHI activity increased 24 h after both single and combined treatments, the activity remained elevated 48 h after a single diflubenzuron treatment and when diflubenzuron was applied after M. anisopliae. Histological study of the cuticle by transmission electron microscopy revealed abnormalities following single and combined treatments. Germination of the conidia and production of the mycelium that colonizes the lysing cuticle was obvious when diflubenzuron was applied 48 h after M. anisopliae exposure. Overall, these results demonstrate that M. anisopliae is compatible with diflubenzuron at lower concentrations and that combined applications can improve C. pipiens management.
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Belavilas-Trovas A, Gregoriou ME, Tastsoglou S, Soukia O, Giakountis A, Mathiopoulos K. A species-specific lncRNA modulates the reproductive ability of the asian tiger mosquito. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:885767. [PMID: 36091452 PMCID: PMC9448860 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.885767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) research has emerged as an independent scientific field in recent years. Despite their association with critical cellular and metabolic processes in plenty of organisms, lncRNAs are still a largely unexplored area in mosquito research. We propose that they could serve as exceptional tools for pest management due to unique features they possess. These include low inter-species sequence conservation and high tissue specificity. In the present study, we investigated the role of ovary-specific lncRNAs in the reproductive ability of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Through the analysis of transcriptomic data, we identified several lncRNAs that were differentially expressed upon blood feeding; we called these genes Norma (NOn-coding RNA in Mosquito ovAries). We observed that silencing some of these Normas resulted in significant impact on mosquito fecundity and fertility. We further focused on Norma3 whose silencing resulted in 43% oviposition reduction, in smaller ovaries and 53% hatching reduction of the laid eggs, compared to anti-GFP controls. Moreover, a significant downregulation of 2 mucins withing a neighboring (∼100 Kb) mucin cluster was observed in smaller anti-Norma3 ovaries, indicating a potential mechanism of in-cis regulation between Norma3 and the mucins. Our work constitutes the first experimental proof-of-evidence connecting lncRNAs with mosquito reproduction and opens a novel path for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Belavilas-Trovas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Gregoriou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Spyros Tastsoglou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Soukia
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Antonis Giakountis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kostas Mathiopoulos
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
- *Correspondence: Kostas Mathiopoulos,
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Mastronikolos GD, Kapranas A, Balatsos GK, Ioannou C, Papachristos DP, Milonas PG, Puggioli A, Pajović I, Petrić D, Bellini R, Michaelakis A, Papadopoulos NT. Quality Control Methods for Aedes albopictus Sterile Male Transportation. INSECTS 2022; 13:179. [PMID: 35206755 PMCID: PMC8878208 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Genetic based mosquito control methods have been gaining ground in recent years for their potential to achieve effective suppression or replacement of vector populations without hampering environments or causing any public health risk. These methods require the mass rearing of the target species in large facilities sized to produce millions of sterile males, as already well established for a number of insects of agricultural importance. Assessing the performance of released males in Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) control programs is of the utmost importance for the success of the operation. Besides the negative effects of mass rearing and sterilization, the handling of sterilized insects and shipment to distant areas may also negatively impact the quality of sterilized males. The aim of the current study was to design and executive quality control (QC) tests for sterilized Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) males delivered by air shipment from the mass production facility located in Italy to Greece and Montenegro field release sites. Mass reared mosquito strains were based on biological materials received from Italy, Greece and Montenegro. Tests conducted at the mass rearing facility before transportation revealed a rather high residual female contamination following mechanical sex separation (approximately 1.5% females, regardless of the mosquito strain). Irradiated males of all three mosquito strains induced high levels of sterility to females. Shipment lasting approximately 24 h resulted in approximately 15% mortality, while when shipment lasted nearly two days this increased to almost 40%. The flight ability of sterilized males following one day transportation time was satisfactory (over 60%). The response of sterile males to food and water starvation was comparable and slightly lower than that of wild non-transported males. Longevity of sterile males was shorter than that of wild counterparts and it seems it was not affected by mating to wild females. Both mating propensity and mating competitiveness for wild virgin females was higher for the wild, control males compared to the sterile, transported ones. Overall, the performance of sterile male Ae. albopictus delivered from the mass rearing facility of Italy to Greece in approximately 24 h was satisfactory. Transportation lasting two days or longer incurred detrimental effects on males, which called into question the outcome of the SIT release programs. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the need of quality control procedures, especially when sterile male production facilities are not near to the releasing point. Transportation could be a serious drawback for the implementation of Sterile Insect Releases and, consequently, it is important to establish an efficient and fast transportation of sterilized males in advance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios D. Mastronikolos
- Laboratory of Entomology Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece; (G.D.M.); (C.I.)
| | - Apostolos Kapranas
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.K.); (G.K.B.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.M.)
- Laboratory of Applied Zoology and Parasitology, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George K. Balatsos
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.K.); (G.K.B.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Charalampos Ioannou
- Laboratory of Entomology Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece; (G.D.M.); (C.I.)
| | - Dimitrios P. Papachristos
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.K.); (G.K.B.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Panagiotis G. Milonas
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.K.); (G.K.B.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Arianna Puggioli
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente “G. Nicoli”, 40014 Crevalcore, Italy; (A.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Igor Pajović
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro;
| | - Dušan Petrić
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Romeo Bellini
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente “G. Nicoli”, 40014 Crevalcore, Italy; (A.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Antonios Michaelakis
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 14561 Kifissia, Greece; (A.K.); (G.K.B.); (D.P.P.); (P.G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Nikos T. Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Entomology Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece; (G.D.M.); (C.I.)
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