Effect of Bacillus sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis on acid-phosphatase activity of mosquito larvae, Culex pipiens and Aedes caspius

Abstract

The use of Bacillus sphaericus and B. thuringiensis H-14 form one of the important group of biological control agent against mosquito larvae. Acid phosphatase enzyme plays a significant role in determining susceptibility of mosquito larvae to both bacterial species. Biochemical assay showed activation in acid phosphatase in Culex pipiens and Aedes caspius treated with B. thuringiensis. Variation in acid phosphatase activity occurred in both mosquitoes treated with B. sphaericus, while there was no change in acid phosphatase activity in A. caspius. An obvious increase in activity in C. pipiens treated with the same bacteria was observed.