The invasive shrub Prosopis juliflora enhances the malaria parasite transmission capacity of Anopheles mosquitoes: a habitat manipulation experiment

Abstract

BackgroundA neglected aspect of alien invasive plant species is their influence on mosquito vector ecology and malaria transmission. Invasive plants that are highly attractive to Anopheles mosquitoes provide them with sugar that is critical to their survival. The effect on Anopheles mosquito populations was examined through a habitat manipulation experiment that removed the flowering branches of highly attractive Prosopis juliflora from selected villages in Mali, West Africa.MethodsNine villages in the Bandiagara district of Mali were selected, six with flowering Prosopis juliflora, and three without. CDC-UV light traps were used to monitor their Anopheles spp. vector populations, and recorded their species composition, population size, age structure, and sugar feeding status. After 8 days, all of the flowering branches were removed from three villages and trap catches were analysed again.ResultsVillages where flowering branches of the invasive shrub Prosopis juliflora were removed experienced a threefold drop in the older more dangerous Anopheles females. Population density dropped by 69.4% and the species composition shifted from being a mix of three species of the Anopheles gambiae complex to one dominated by Anopheles coluzzii. The proportion of sugar fed females dropped from 73 to 15% and males from 77 to 10%.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates how an invasive plant shrub promotes the malaria parasite transmission capacity of African malaria vector mosquitoes. Proper management of invasive plants could potentially reduce mosquito populations and malaria transmission.

A native with a taste for the exotic: weeds and pasture provide year‐round habitat for Nysius vinitor (Hemiptera: Orsillidae) across Australia, with implications for area‐wide management

“…Recently, similar associations of pest species with exotic plants have been identified, such as mosquitoes facilitated by the nectar of invasive weeds in Mali (Muller et al . ). However, there are relatively few studies on such secondary effects of plant invasions or weeds across multiple pest species, and thus, the importance of this effect worldwide is not well known (but see Kennedy and Storer ; Parry et al .…”

Invasive Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), an Allergy and Health Challenge

“…A community in Loboti, Kenya, reported the increased incidence of malaria associated with Prosopis invasions as the biggest negative impact induced by the invasive tree [11,12]. This has recently been verified by Muller et al [73], who conducted experimental testing in Mali. Prosopis increases the incidence of malaria, as mosquitos feed primarily on tree sap (honeydew) and nectar.…”

“…Prosopis increases the incidence of malaria, as mosquitos feed primarily on tree sap (honeydew) and nectar. Females only need blood to reproduce otherwise they feed on plants and males only feed on plant products [73]. The invasion of Prosopis, therefore, provides more food for mosquitoes resulting in increased populations and consequently more vectors for carrying the malaria disease.…”

Preferensi Tanaman Tempat Aktivitas Aedes di Pekarangan Rumah Desa Kopelma Banda Aceh

“…Hal ini berdampak terhadap menurunnya penularan penyakit malaria di Mali Afrika. 4 Penelitian Vincent menunjukkan bahwa nyamuk memiliki ketertarikan pada spesies tumbuhan tertentu (tumbuhan inang). Pemilihan tumbuhan inang ini dipengaruhi oleh sistem olfaktori nyamuk.…”