Effects of Temperature and <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> on the Development, Longevity, and Reproduction of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i>
Temperature is a key environmental factor that influences mosquito phenotypic traits and the effectiveness of vector control strategies. <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> (<i>Bv</i>) has shown promise as a microbial biocontrol agent due to its insecticidal properties; however, its e...
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| author | Abdullah A. Alomar |
| author_facet | Abdullah A. Alomar |
| author_sort | Abdullah A. Alomar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Temperature is a key environmental factor that influences mosquito phenotypic traits and the effectiveness of vector control strategies. <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> (<i>Bv</i>) has shown promise as a microbial biocontrol agent due to its insecticidal properties; however, its effects on mosquitoes under different environmental conditions are still unexplored. This study investigated the effects of <i>Bv</i> (strain WHk23) exposure on the life history traits of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> at two temperature conditions (20 °C and 30 °C), focusing on development, longevity, and reproductive fitness. Results showed that temperature significantly affected mosquito development and longevity, with faster development and shorter adult longevity observed at 30 °C compared to 20 °C. Exposure to <i>Bv</i> further accelerated larval development and reduced adult emergence, with the effects being more pronounced at 30 °C than at 20 °C. Exposure to <i>Bv</i> reduced adult longevity regardless of temperature. In addition, <i>Bv</i>-exposed females had larger body sizes but lower fecundity and fertility, suggesting that <i>Bv</i> exposure may cause physiological stress that disrupts reproductive processes. These findings highlight the importance of considering environmental factors in mosquito control programs while reinforcing the efficacy of <i>Bv</i> as a sustainable biocontrol agent under a variety of environmental conditions. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2079-7737 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Biology |
| spelling | doaj-art-b27f672c8c734436bb9d0cacd5e216be2025-08-20T02:17:24ZengMDPI AGBiology2079-77372025-03-0114435710.3390/biology14040357Effects of Temperature and <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> on the Development, Longevity, and Reproduction of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i>Abdullah A. Alomar0Infectious Disease Vector Research Laboratory, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi ArabiaTemperature is a key environmental factor that influences mosquito phenotypic traits and the effectiveness of vector control strategies. <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> (<i>Bv</i>) has shown promise as a microbial biocontrol agent due to its insecticidal properties; however, its effects on mosquitoes under different environmental conditions are still unexplored. This study investigated the effects of <i>Bv</i> (strain WHk23) exposure on the life history traits of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> at two temperature conditions (20 °C and 30 °C), focusing on development, longevity, and reproductive fitness. Results showed that temperature significantly affected mosquito development and longevity, with faster development and shorter adult longevity observed at 30 °C compared to 20 °C. Exposure to <i>Bv</i> further accelerated larval development and reduced adult emergence, with the effects being more pronounced at 30 °C than at 20 °C. Exposure to <i>Bv</i> reduced adult longevity regardless of temperature. In addition, <i>Bv</i>-exposed females had larger body sizes but lower fecundity and fertility, suggesting that <i>Bv</i> exposure may cause physiological stress that disrupts reproductive processes. These findings highlight the importance of considering environmental factors in mosquito control programs while reinforcing the efficacy of <i>Bv</i> as a sustainable biocontrol agent under a variety of environmental conditions.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/4/357<i>Bacillus velezensis</i><i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i>biological controltemperature effectslarval developmentreproductive fitness |
| spellingShingle | Abdullah A. Alomar Effects of Temperature and <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> on the Development, Longevity, and Reproduction of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> Biology <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> biological control temperature effects larval development reproductive fitness |
| title | Effects of Temperature and <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> on the Development, Longevity, and Reproduction of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> |
| title_full | Effects of Temperature and <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> on the Development, Longevity, and Reproduction of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> |
| title_fullStr | Effects of Temperature and <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> on the Development, Longevity, and Reproduction of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> |
| title_full_unstemmed | Effects of Temperature and <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> on the Development, Longevity, and Reproduction of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> |
| title_short | Effects of Temperature and <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> on the Development, Longevity, and Reproduction of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> |
| title_sort | effects of temperature and i bacillus velezensis i on the development longevity and reproduction of i culex quinquefasciatus i |
| topic | <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> biological control temperature effects larval development reproductive fitness |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/4/357 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT abdullahaalomar effectsoftemperatureandibacillusvelezensisionthedevelopmentlongevityandreproductionoficulexquinquefasciatusi |