Survival of the copepod Mesocyclops longisetus during simulations of transport from hatchery to target areas for biological control of mosquito larvae

ABSTRACT Copepods have been successfully used in many countries for the biological control of larvae of mosquitoes that vector diseases. In Brazil, this line of research has been focused on the use of the copepod Mesocyclops longisetus (Thiébaud, 1914) for the biological control of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1792). The transportation of the copepods from the place where they are reared to where they will be used often involves long distances for extended periods of time. This study assesses the survivorship of M. longisetus during simulation of transport under different conditions. Different loading densities (20, 30, 40, 80, and 120 ind.L) and stirring times (30 minutes, one hour, two hours, and four hours) were tested. Survivorship was high, with 75% of the results equal or higher than 90% survival. Reduced mortality was observed when transportation time was up to 120 minutes and densities were up to 40 ind.L. In higher densities or longer transportation times, the mortality rate was significantly affected.

摘要：桡足类动物（Copepods）已在多国成功应用于传播疾病的蚊类幼虫的生物防治。在巴西，该研究方向聚焦于利用长刺中剑水蚤（Mesocyclops longisetus, Thiébaud, 1914）开展埃及伊蚊（Aedes aegypti, Linnaeus, 1792）的生物防治。桡足类动物从培育地点转运至应用场地的过程，通常需跨越较长距离且耗时较久。本研究针对不同模拟运输条件下长刺中剑水蚤的存活率展开评估，测试了不同装载密度（20、30、40、80及120 只/升）与搅拌时长（30分钟、1小时、2小时及4小时）。结果显示受试对象存活率整体较高，75%的实验组存活率达到或超过90%。当运输时长不超过120分钟、装载密度不超过40只/升时，死亡率较低；而当装载密度过高或运输时长过长时，死亡率会受到显著影响。