In mosquito management, what is the primary role of biological agents like Bti and Bsph?

• A. To rapidly eliminate adult populations.
• B. To provide selective larval control with minimal non-target impact.
• C. To replace all other control methods.
• D. To sterilize mosquitoes.

Answer: (B)

Biological agents like Bti and Bsph are used to target mosquitoes at the larval stage in their aquatic habitats. They release toxins that the larvae ingest, which disrupts their gut and causes death, leading to fewer mosquitoes emerging as adults. Because these toxins are highly specific to mosquito larvae and require ingestion, they have minimal impact on non-target organisms such as fish, amphibians, and most other aquatic insects. This makes them ideal for selective larval control within an integrated mosquito-management program.

They don’t rapidly eliminate adult mosquitoes, and they’re not meant to replace other control methods or sterilize mosquitoes. Instead, they complement other strategies by reducing the larval population in water bodies while preserving beneficial organisms and helping manage resistance risks when used appropriately.