Use of hexaflumuron, an insect growth regulator in the control of Aedes albopictus (Skuse).

An attempt was made to assess the control potency of an insect growth regulator (IGR), hexaflumuron, against Aedes albopictus, a potent dengue vector, both in the laboratory and under field conditions. Emergence inhibition activity of this IGR against laboratory reared and field collected larvae of Ae. albopictus showed EI50 values of 1.9 x 10(-4) and 1.80 x 10(-4) mg(ai)/l respectively. Under field conditions, no appreciable reduction in immature density occurred at the lowest application rate of 0.001 mg(ai)/l whereas at the rate of 0.01 mg(ai)/l 100% reduction could be seen in earthern pots placed in a garden for 9 days. A reduction of 100% in pupal density was observed for 21 and 18 days at an application rate of 0.1 mg(ai)/l in pots and tyres respectively. Considering that this IGR was effective for about three weeks, it can be used successfully at the rate of 0.1 mg(ai)/l for controlling Ae. albopictus breeding in container habitats.