Suppression of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) populations using the boosted sterile insect technique in Greece
Field Trial Overview
In 2023, researchers tested a boosted Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) in Greece to manage populations of Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito. The approach involved releasing sterilized males coated with the larvicide pyriproxyfen to inhibit larval development.
Release Schedule and Method
Releases took place weekly during two periods of mosquito activity: from 12 May to 16 June and from 1 September to 6 October. Two Mark-Release-Recapture experiments were also conducted in July to assess the behavior and effectiveness of the sterilized males.
Effects on Mosquito Populations
No major change in overall egg density was observed at treated sites. However, some local areas showed a significant reduction compared to control sites.
Egg hatching rates at treated sites ranged between 56–57%, while control sites recorded 84–85% during and shortly after the release periods.
Adult Population Suppression
During the second release phase and one month later, the adult mosquito population dropped by 85–93% compared to control areas. The ratio of sterile to wild males reached 15:1, with a competitiveness index of 0.46 for the treated males.
Residual Impact
“The suppression of both adult and egg populations was more pronounced a month after the conclusion of releases, indicating a residual activity of boosted-SIT.”
This delayed effect suggests that the technique had ongoing influence beyond the active release period.
Conclusion
These results indicate that the boosted-SIT method has strong potential for controlling Aedes albopictus populations, particularly in reducing the number of adult mosquitoes.
Author’s Summary: The trial in Greece proved that pyriproxyfen-coated sterile male releases can achieve lasting suppression of adult Asian tiger mosquitoes, supporting boosted-SIT as a viable control tool.