[DIYbio] Re: Bti cry proteins

Hi Mega

Knowing where the ponds are is a major aspect of the plot. The WHO is of the opinion, that larviciding makes sense only if breeding grounds are "few, fixed and findable". That and the prohibitive costs, which relates back to their "few" are their worries. The typical breeding ground of the most dangerous and abundant Malaria vector Anopheles gambiae is sunlit clear still water. Could be rice fields, irrigation channels, watering holes, small ponds or an old oil barrel filled with rain water behind a hut. And during the rainy season any depression on the land surface.  Mosquitoes of importance regarding Malaria transmission do not appear to breed in running water or rivers. Of course it is hoped to make a huge dent into a local Mosquitoe population by killing as many larvae as possible with a safe biological larvicide. Even if that makes species dependent solely of the larvae as food source move out of the area to be protected from Malaria transmission. Totally acceptable I hope.

Heinrich

Ok, so if you know where the mosquito "wells" are - poisoning the well may be ok. 

Though I know from rivers in my countries (Ponds may be different) - there are zillions of insects in the ecosystem river. They would all be killed if you poison the well. Fish starve (-> humans), birds starve ...