Field evaluation of a new insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen, against Anopheles farauti, the main vector of malaria in the Solomon Islands

Abstract

A field study to control the malarian vector, Anopheles farauti, with an insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen (S-31183), was carried out in northern Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. An emulsifiable concentrate of 1% pyriproxyfen was applied to two breeding sites : one with fresh water and another with brackish water. Pyriproxyfen at a dosage of 0.1ppm inhibited emergence of An. farauti completely, at both test sites, for at least 5 weeks after treatment and the efficacy (more than 70% inhibition) lasted for ca. 2 months. The body color of the larvae and pupae in the test sites whitened noticeably after the application of the compound.