The University of Sindh. PHOTO: COURTESY USINDH.EDU.PK
HYDERABAD: Viewing the ever-rising mosquito population as a threat to the human health, experts have suggested taking advantage of certain fish species as a method of ‘biological control’ of the insect. At a seminar, held in Sindh University’s Faculty of Natural Sciences, the speakers preferred biological control of mosquitoes over the existing rampant application of chemical ways.
“Chemical control disturbs the aquatic ecosystem and aquatic food chain,” observed Prof Dr Naeem Tarique Narejo. He considered the biological control agents as the best available to destroy mosquito larvae.
He said the very small fish like Gambosia, Gadusia, Puntius and Tilapia were best control agents which eat mosquito as well as larvae. Prof Narejo said that the insects grew in the stagnant waters where the small fish were released to exterminate their population.
“Fish isn’t only a nutritional source for humans. They can be pivotal for preventing humans becoming ill with mosquito-caused illnesses,” Prof Dr Muhammad Younis Laghari said.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2019.
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