Influence of low static magnetic field (SMF) on immature development and survival of the mosquito, Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

In this study, experiments were performed to investigate the effect of low static magnetic field (SMF) on hatchability, development and survival of Culex pipiens mosquito immature under laboratory conditions. Egg-rafts of Cx. pipiens were exposed to SMF at different intensities of 5 mT, 25 mT and 50 mT for 20 minutes at temperature of 28±1 ºC. Hatching rate, hatching delay time and larval development significantly affected by SMF. The numbers of hatched larvae decreased with increasing SMF at 50 mT (133.33 ± 6.0) as compared to the control (302.23 ± 10.9). Also, hatching rate significantly lenghthened (P < 0.05) with high intensity of SMF. A total of 88.3% and 44.33% eggs hatched at 5 mT and 50 mT, respectively. For Cx. pipiens immatures, the duration time shortened and survival (%) reduced after exposure to high dose (50 mT) than to low dose (5 mT). We concluded that SMF affects the egg hatchability and immature development which could be applied as a strategy in mosquito control.