Susceptibility of symbionts ofRhizopertha dominica F to various sulpha drugsin vivo

Abstract

Successive generations of Rhizopertha domi/lica were reared on sulpha drugs mixed diets, at varying sulpha drug concentrations. The symbionts from the above treated insects were adversely affected but the drugs failed to eliminate them totally. Heavy mortality as weU as loss in multiplication potential of the symbionts occurred when concentrations were increased. There wascomparatively higher mortality of symbionts in F 2 and F 3 generations as compared to F 1 generation. The sulpha somids, sulphadiazine and sulphathiozole were more effective than sulphametbaxazole and pentidsulphas. These observations may be useful for eliminating the obligatory symbionts from the host for controUing it biologicaUy.