Comparative life parameters of transgenic and wild strain of Aedes aegypti in the laboratory

Abstract

The release of genetically-modified Aedes aegypti males is considered an effective method of suppressing this vector of dengue. One of the prerequisites is the capability to mass produce the genetically-modified mosquito in the laboratory before release. To do so would necessitate the understanding of the lifecycle and parameters of the transformed strain. In this regard, comparative life-history parameters of a wild-type laboratory strain of Ae. aegypti (WT) and a genetically transformed Ae. aegypti (LA513) were studied in the laboratory. The following parameters were statistically indistinguishable in both strains: the number of eggs laid, the number of unhatched eggs, the egg-hatching rate, the duration of larval period in all four instars, larval survivorship, pupation, adult eclosion rate, gonotrophic cycle, adult fecundity, adult lifespan and offspring sex ratio. The basic life-history and growth rate of the genetically-modified Ae. aegypti was not affected by genetic manipulation and that its mating competitiveness will remain intact, which is important for the successful use of this technology.