Biocontrol of Bacillus Thuringiensis Isolated from Soil Samples Against Mosquito Larvae

Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika virus continue to pose serious health risks worldwide, especially in tropical regions. Conventional control methods such as the use of chemical insecticides, mechanical methods involving the use of traps and baits, and biological methods such as predatory Fish and genetic modification methods are discussed as well as the significant drawbacks involved with chemical imsecticides, including environmental damage, harm to non-target species, and the growing problem of insecticide resistance. In this study, the potential of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a naturally occurring soil bacterium known for producing insecticidal toxins, as a biological alternative for controlling mosquito larvae is investigated. Soil samples were collected from two different locations in the FUTO environment, and Bt strains were isolated and biochemical tests were performed to ascertain the presense of Bacillus thuringiensis. The isolater were then tested in laboratory bioassays to evaluate their effectiveness against mosquito larvae collected from stagnant water at FUTO market. While some larvicidal activity was observed, the overall mortality rates of mosquito larvae were low. Factors such as strain variation, cultivation and isolation methods, environmental conditions, and larvae susceptibility are highlighted as possible reasons for the recorded low mortality rates. These findings suggest that while Bt holds promise as an eco-friendly solution for mosquito control, further research is needed to identify more potent strains and optimize their application. By offering a targeted approach with minimal environmental impact, Bt could play a vital role in sustainable mosquito management.