An Investigation of the Effect of Various Yeasts and Water Sources on Aedes albopictus Oviposition and Egg Hatching

Overview

Mosquitoes represent a significant proportion of insect biodiversity, and yeasts fill important roles in food webs, decomposition of organic matter, and nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems, but potential mosquito- fungal interactions remain largely unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the potential difference between mosquito oviposition rates and egg hatching when exposed to varied water sources and yeast isolates as compared to the control, oak leaf tea. Mosquito traps containing Meyerozyma red and white, Tausonia, and Hannaella were set to collect oviposition data. Six hundred seventy-five Aedes albopictus eggs were exposed to a variety of water sources and the same four yeast isolates to measure egg hatching. Water analysis was conducted to analyze correlation between egg hatching and water quality. Oviposition data suggests that mosquitoes prefer Hanaella and Oak Leaf Tea, while Meyerozyma red and white and Tausonia had significantly less eggs deposited. Data from yeast bioassays showed Meyerozyma red had significantly less eggs hatch than the control, oak leaf tea. Th is preliminary data suggests that additional bioassays are needed with Meyerozyma red to determine if it inhibits the growth and development of mosquito eggs. Zero eggs exposed to Mississippi River water hatched, while ditch water and oak leaf tea both had higher levels of egg hatching. Water quality tests revealed high levels of conductivity in the ditch water and the oak leaf tea. Further testing using water sources for both oviposition and egg hatching will also be conducted to determine correlation with water quality.

Competition history

• JSHS 2020 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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