Effects of natural pyrethrum and synthetic pyrethroids on the tiger mosquito,Aedes albopictus (skuse) and non-target flower-visiting insects in urban green areas of Padua,Italy |
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| Authors: | Daria Corcos Luca Mazzon Pierfilippo Cerretti Maurizio Mei Edoardo Giussani Andrea Drago |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy;2. Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padua, Legnaro (PD), Italy;3. daria.corcos@unipd.it;5. Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padua, Legnaro (PD), Italy;6. Entostudio SRL, Ponte San Nicolò (PD), Italy |
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| Abstract: | AbstractThe tiger mosquito is a key vector of several human diseases and is considered a public health concern worldwide. The implementation of strategies aimed at maximizing mosquito control without affecting non-target insect groups is of major importance. In a field trial, we tested the efficiency of a natural pyrethrum-based vs. a synthetic pyrethroid-based insecticide in reducing tiger mosquito population and how they affect the diversity of non-target flower-visiting insects in green urban areas. Only the pyrethroid insecticide was effective in reducing mosquito abundance, although its effects disappeared nine days after application. The two adulticides did not significantly affect the diversity of flower-visiting insects, probably because of their large body size and the difference in flying and foraging activity. To effectively control mosquito populations while preventing intoxication of non-target flower-visiting insects, adulticide applications should be applied early in the morning and only on bushes and trees. Results from our small-scale applications cannot be extrapolate when larger areas are treated. |
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| Keywords: | Adulticides Mosquito control Natural pyrethrum Non-target groups Pollinators Pyrethroids |
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