The inhibiting activity of diflubenzuron on the ecdysis of Aedes aegypti larvae was evaluated, with a view to using this product in mosquito control. This study also aimed to determine the interaction between this product, the type of artificial containers and the susceptibility of the mosquito. Bioassays were carried out in the backyard of a residence, using seven kinds of artificial habitats: tires, glass, concrete roofing, cans, plastic containers, cement and pottery. In each kind of artificial habitat, 20 Aedes aegypti larvae in the 4th instar were set. The same number of larvae was used as a control. Each test was repeated five times and the observation of mortality was done once every 24 hours, until 100% mortality was reached at 1 ppm. There was no significant difference between the main surveillance periods of the larvae, nor between the various kinds of artificial habitats. A significant difference was found between the instars, in that the 3rd instar was the most resistant to diflubenzuron inhibiting activity. It was also shown that concentrations did not interact with instars or material of the artificial habitats at the 5% significance level.
Aedes aegypti; Diflubenzuron; Insect growth regulator; Control
