Publication Type
Journal Article
Journal Name
Scientific Reports
Publication Date
11-30-2016
Abstract
Mosquito oviposition site selection is essential for vector population dynamics and malaria epidemiology. Irrigated rice cultivations provide ideal larval habitats for malaria mosquitoes, which has resulted in increased prevalence of the malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis, in sub-Saharan Africa. The nature and origin of the cues regulating this behaviour are only now being elucidated. We show that gravid Anopheles arabiensis are attracted and oviposit in response to the odour present in the air surrounding rice. Furthermore, we identify a synthetic rice odour blend, using electrophysiological and chemical analyses, which elicits attraction and oviposition in laboratory assays, as well as attraction of free-flying gravid mosquitoes under semi-field conditions. This research highlights the intimate link between malaria vectors and agriculture. The identified volatile cues provide important substrates for the development of novel and cost-effective control measures that target female malaria mosquitoes, irrespective of indoor or outdoor feeding and resting patterns.
PubMed ID
27901056
Recommended Citation
Wondwosen, B., Birgersson, G., Seyoum, E., Tekie, H., Torto, B., Fillinger, U., Hill, S., & Ignell, R. (2016). Rice volatiles lure gravid malaria mosquitoes, Anopheles arabiensis. Scientific Reports, 6 https://doi.org/10.1038/srep37930