Identifier

etd-11192010-095633

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Entomology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The vector-competency and its affinity for humans make C. quinquefasciatus an important target of mosquito abatement programs. Whenever such control programs are implemented, protocols to monitor frequencies and mechanisms of resistance to the insecticides used are necessary to optimize the efficacy of the management strategy and to slow development of resistance to the insecticides used. In the current study, susceptibilities to the two adulticides used by EBRMARC (naled and resmethrin) were monitored using field-collected mosquitoes and a topical and contact bioassay, respectively. My hypothesis was that esterase-mediated enhanced metabolism conferred resistance to both insecticides in populations of C. quinquefasciatus from EBR Parish. To test this hypothesis, esterase activities from field-collected mosquitoes were monitored using a model substrate, and esterases were visualized using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In addition, naled was tested as a synergist of the toxicity of resmethrin to further explore the relationship between esterases and increased frequencies of resistance, and to examine the use of naled as a possible countermeasure to resmethrin resistance. The results from this study will allow management strategies for populations of C. quinquefasciatus to be optimized, and provide a foundation for further studies exploring esterase inhibitors as synergists of pyrethroid toxicity.

Date

2010

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Ottea, James A.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.283

Included in

Entomology Commons

Share

COinS