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Wolbachia Infection through Hybridization to Enhance an Incompatible Insect Technique-Based Suppression of Aedes albopictus in Eastern Spain

TitleWolbachia Infection through Hybridization to Enhance an Incompatible Insect Technique-Based Suppression of Aedes albopictus in Eastern Spain
Publication TypeArticolo su Rivista peer-reviewed
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsCholvi, Maria, Trelis María, Bueno-Marí Rubén, Khoubbane Messaoud, Gil Rosario, Marcilla Antonio, and Moretti Riccardo
JournalInsects
Volume15
Type of ArticleArticle
Abstract

The emergence of insecticide resistance in arbovirus vectors is putting the focus on the development of new strategies for control. In this regard, the exploitation of Wolbachia endosymbionts is receiving increasing attention due to its demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the vectorial capacity of Aedes mosquitoes. Here, we describe the establishment of a naïve Wolbachia infection in a wild Aedes albopictus population of eastern Spain through a hybridization approach to obtain males capable of sterilizing wild females. The obtained lines were compared with the Wolbachia donor, Ae. albopictus ARwP, previously artificially infected with Wolbachia wPip, regarding immature and adult survival, female fecundity, egg fertility, and level of induced sterility. Our results did not show significant differences between lines in any of the biological parameters analyzed, indicating the full suitability of the hybrids to be used as a control tool against Ae. albopictus. In particular, hybrid males induced 99.9% sterility in the eggs of wild females without the need for any preliminary treatment. Being harmless to non-target organisms and the environment, the use of this bacterium for the control of Ae. albopictus deserves further exploration. This is especially relevant in areas such as eastern Spain, where this mosquito species has recently spread and may represent a serious threat due to its competence as a vector for dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. © 2024 by the authors.

Notes

Cited by: 0; All Open Access, Gold Open Access

URLhttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85188991831&doi=10.3390%2finsects15030206&partnerID=40&md5=79a9b8af1a76a72cbc3607e17f3ddf39
DOI10.3390/insects15030206
Citation KeyCholvi2024