Novel effective mosquito larvicide DL-methionine: Lack of toxicity to non-target aquatic organisms

• Main Authors: Emma N.I. Weeks, Kevin J. Kroll, Timothy S. Johnson, Thomas Colquhoun, James P. Cuda, Nancy D. Denslow, Bruce R. Stevens
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-04-01
• Series: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
• Subjects: Essential amino acid; Organic; Sustainable; Pest management; Insecticide; Daphnia magna
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014765132100124X

Mosquito larvicides are an effective tool for reducing numbers of adult females that bite and potentially spread pathogenic organisms. Methionine, an essential amino acid in humans, has been previously demonstrated to be a highly effective larvicide against four (4) mosquito species in three (3) genera, Anopheles, Culex and Aedes. The aim of the present study was to determine the potential impact on non-target aquatic organisms of methionine applied as a mosquito larvicide. DL-methionine concentrations ranging from 0.06% to 1.00% were used; wherein the highest concentration of 1.00% would result in 100% mortality within 48 h in mosquitoes. Acute toxicity assays were conducted in accordance with the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) guidelines for the water flea (Daphnia magna Straus; Cladocera: Daphniidae) and the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas Rafinesque; Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae). Water fleas and fish were placed directly into the solutions in glass containers and tanks for 48-hours and 96-hours, respectively. When applied within the above-mentioned range of effective mosquito larvicide concentrations, DL-methionine meets US EPA criteria as a ''practically non-toxic'' pesticide for both species. These results suggest that methionine is a viable alternative to current mosquito larvicide options, which are typically classified as moderately to highly toxic and may be a valuable addition to a mosquito integrated pest management program.