Infectious Diseases

There is a critical need for the development of effective and targeted biocontrol methods against mosquito arboviral vectors,particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. In the ideal, control of mosquito vectors reduces the population abundance of vector populations, thereby vectorial capacity, but does not impact non-target organisms such as beneficial pollinators. Several methods in biological control such as the endotoxin Bacillus thuringiensis have been shown effective, but few target container-breeding mosquito vectors. We explored the application and efficiency of a novel method of biocontrol using the common bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris), a globally distributed carnivorous aquatic plant. This predatory plant consumes aquatic invertebrates using a bladder-like trap. We investigated the efficacy of larval control plant predation, finding nearcomplete elimination of Aedes larvae through both direct and indirect impacts plant presence. Direct predation eliminated 99% of larvae within 3 days of introduction, and indirect impacts were observed through development rate, body size, and survival with larval Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. This is the first study to explore and establish the potential application of plant predation in the control of Aedine mosquito vectors. Vector-plant interactions are relatively understudied and poorly

understood across all stages of the mosquito life-cycle, and may offer novel biocontrol strategies.