Mosquito breeding in relation to aquatic vegetation and some physico-chemical parameters in rice fields of central Gujarat.

Abstract

Mosquito breeding in relation to aquatic vegetation and certain physico-chemical parameters was studied in rice fields of Kheda district in central Gujarat. A total of 14 anopheline and 15 culicine species were encountered in close association with different types of aquatic vegetation in different proportions. Among anophelines, Anopheles annularis, An. nigerrimus, An. subpictus and An. tessellatus were of general distribution and were found associated with each aquatic vegetation. An. culicifacies showed poor association with most of the aquatic weeds. Maximum number of anophelines were found associated with algae. Culex vishnui sub-group predominated among culicines and showed frequent association with Ceratophyllum, Hydrilla and algae. Physico-chemical parameters also exerted some impact on mosquito larval population.