Lutte biologique contre Aedes polynesiensis avec le copépode Mesocyclops aspericornis. Experimentation à Tikehau. I. Prospection et recherche de sites d'étude. Proposition de lutte intégrée

Abstract

As part of the biological control program against Aedes polynesiensis using the copepod Mesocyclops aspericornis, an experimental action was planned by ORSTOM and ITRMLM to test the effectiveness of this method on a large scale. This method, developed in the Tahiti laboratory, involves introducing the predator into mosquito breeding sites, particularly the burrows of the land crab Cardisoma carnifex.In French Polynesia, selecting an experimental site is subject to various constraints that affect the implementation of large-scale experimentation. The atoll of Tikehau in the Tuamotu Archipelago was theoretically chosen as a potential site. A scientific mission visited Tikehau from April 3 to 10, 1987, to identify suitable study sites.The surveys conducted in Tikehau did not reveal an islet meeting the criteria for experimental work with the copepod in crab burrows. However, the village islet presents characteristics suitable for an integrated biological and ecological control action against mosquitoes and Culex. This approach deserves further development and implementation.