Scientists explore nonchemical mosquito control

Researchers at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service are investigating a new way to deal with mosquitoes that poses minimal risks to human health. Scientists are developing molecular pesticides that prevent mosquitoes from producing essential proteins necessary for survival.

The active ingredient in molecular pesticides is a nucleic acid, such as DNA or RNA. The technology can be modified and targeted to combat mosquitoes and other insect pests. It interrupts genes essential for insect survival, causing the organism to die.

Molecular pesticides should be effective against species that are resistant to conventional chemical pesticides. Chemical pesticides often have an impact on the physiological systems shared by humans, but this new method only targets specific genes of the pest species.

A patent application for the technology has been submitted, and ARS is looking for a partner to develop appropriate formulations that can be marketed and sold commercially.

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For more: USDA ARS Mosquito and Fly Research Unit, (352) 374-5940; www.ars.usda.gov.

June 2008