The effect of magnetized water on some biological aspects of the mosquito, Culex pipiens: an approach to vector control

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Application of magnetized water as an alternative method for mosquito control is still in its infancy. This study was conducted as a step in order to gain a better understanding of the effect of magnetized water on different biological aspects of the mosquito, Culex pipiens. The present study investigates the effects of magnetized water on egg-hatchability, survival, development and feeding behaviour. Overall, the results revealed a moderate reduction in hatching percentages with a significant (P<0.01) delay in hatching time in the treated group as compared to the control. Larval mortality percentage recorded approximately 17.9% for the treated group versus 8.1% for the control one. Larval and pupal durations were prolonged as a response to inhabitation in the magnetized water. In addition, a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the adult emergence percentage (66.7±0.71 versus 83.3±3.0 for the control) was recorded. Feeding behaviour of adult mosquito females was investigated here for the first time; data revealed that blood-feeding behaviour was significantly (P<0.01) belated as compared with females that reared in normal water.

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