Plant nutrient quality impacts survival and reproductive fitness of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti

Abstract

Background: In a recent study using DNA barcoding, we identified the plants fed upon by four Afro-tropical mosquito species that vector dengue, malaria, and Rift Valley fever. Herein, we have expanded on this study by investigating the role of three of the plants Pithecellobium dulce (Fabaceae), Leonotis nepetifolia (Lamiaceae), and Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae) on survival, fecundity, and egg viability of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti. Methods: We tested these effects using females that received a) an initial three rations of bloodmeal, and b) received no bloodmeal at all. Two controls were included; age-matched females fed on glucose solution with or without initial bloodmeal, and those fed exclusively on bloodmeal. Data was collected daily over a 30-day period. The amino acid content of Ae. aegypti guts and the amino acid content of their respective diets was detected by coupled liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry.Results: Females fed on P. dulce and exclusive bloodmeal had a shorter survival than those fed on glucose. On the other hand, females fed on L. nepetifolia survived longer than those fed exclusively on bloodmeal, whereas those fed on O. ficus-indica had the shortest survival time. With initial bloodmeal, females fed on L. nepetifolia laid 1.6-fold more eggs while those fed on the other diets laid fewer eggs, compared to those fed exclusively on bloodmeal. Hatching rates of the eggs laid varied with the diet. Mass spectroscopic analysis of gut contents of mosquitoes exposed to the different diets showed qualitative and quantitative differences in their amino acid levels. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the central role of plant nutrients in the reproductive fitness of dengue vectors which may impact their disease transmission potential.

Odorant receptors for floral- and plant-derived volatiles in the yellow fever mosquito,Aedes aegypti(Diptera: Culicidae)

“…For mosquitoes, nectar foraging to obtain sugar meals is essential for survival . Individuals that can locate and access higher-quality nectar sources exhibit extended lifespans and increased fecundity [43,[57][58]. Therefore, exploring the molecular mechanisms driving selective preferences is imperative.…”

“…While preference between nectar sources has been documented in numerous mosquito species, the molecular and olfactory underpinnings are yet to be elucidated [43][44][45]. This behavior is of particular importance for disease control as characterizing the ORs that mediate it may provide vital information about potential nectar-seeking linked attractants that can be used in mosquito bait and kill (MBAK) or attractive toxic sugar bait (ATSB) systems [46][47][48].…”