Multibacter technology to control Aedes aegypti

• Grant number: 16/06050-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2017
• End date: December 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Agreement: FINEP - PIPE/PAPPE Grant
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Netto Moreira Garcia
• Grantee: Rafael Netto Moreira Garcia
• Company: Agrobiológica Soluções Eireli

Abstract

The entomophatogenic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) is broadly used for biological control of Aedes aegypti and other mosquitoes. Cell growth, sporulation and toxin production are main factors in the multiplication process of this biological control agent for pest control success, and are related to operational parameters and growth media components in the fermentation process. This proposal aims at the adaptation of the Multibacter technology, developed by the company to control agricultural insect-pests, to control mosquitoes in urban areas using Bti as biological control agent. Prior improvements in the operational parameters and growth media are needed to maximize cell growth, sporulation and toxin production in Bti multiplication process. Thereafter, the efficacy in A. aegypti larvae mortality of the Bti produced by Multibacter technology will be tested under controlled conditions for dose-response mortality in laboratory, and then aerial spraying in the field. After two years we expect to have aseptic systems of Bti production up and running in small facilities, producing large amounts of the biological control agent with a very low cost by council units, condominium, parks or whoever wants aerial spraying of Bti in large areas. Each of the small units will be able to produce enough amounts for aerial spraying in large areas. Reducing mosquito population in anthropic areas viruses in humans will be reduced and environmental comfort will be greatly improved for the human population in treated areas. (AU)