In the heart of Tunisia, a groundbreaking discovery is set to revolutionize the way we approach mosquito control, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to chemical pesticides. Researchers at the Biopesticides Laboratory, Centre de Biotechnologie de Sfax, have developed an innovative, eco-friendly biopesticide that could reshape the future of vector management, not just in Tunisia, but across North Africa.
At the helm of this research is Fatma Benjeddou, whose work focuses on harnessing the power of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring bacterium known for its potent insecticidal properties. The challenge, however, has been the high cost and unavailability of biological insecticides in the region, making chemical pesticides the go-to solution despite their environmental drawbacks.
Benjeddou and her team have tackled this issue head-on by developing a bio-sourced media using agricultural by-products and free biological materials. The key ingredient? Spineless Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes flour, a waste product from the prickly pear cactus, which is abundant in Tunisia. “We’ve turned waste into a valuable resource,” Benjeddou explains. “The high organic carbon content in this flour makes it an excellent carbon source for B. thuringiensis growth and delta-endotoxin production.”
The team optimized a medium using diluted seawater, SFI flour, and soybean meal, significantly boosting delta-endotoxin production by 58% compared to traditional methods. But they didn’t stop there. By cultivating BUPM98 in shake flasks with baffles under optimal conditions, they achieved an additional 22.85% improvement, resulting in a biopesticide production of 2405.5 ± 45 mg/L.
The results are staggering. The new biopesticide, dubbed FPOM-SFI(BUPM98), showed more than threefold activity compared to VectoBac®12AS, a commercially available biopesticide. It demonstrated LC50 values of 0.0039 mg/L and 0.0041 mg/L against Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae larvae, respectively. These are the mosquitoes responsible for transmitting diseases like dengue, Zika, and malaria.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Mosquito control is crucial for protecting outdoor workers, especially in regions where vector-borne diseases are prevalent. A sustainable, cost-effective biopesticide could reduce the need for chemical pesticides, lowering operational costs and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, it opens up new avenues for local production, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
This research, published in Biological Control, marks a significant step towards sustainable vector control. It’s a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of bio-sourced materials. As Benjeddou puts it, “We’re not just developing a biopesticide; we’re building a sustainable future.”
The future of mosquito control is looking greener, and it’s happening right here in Tunisia. This research could pave the way for similar developments in other regions, shaping a future where vector control is not just effective, but also sustainable and affordable. The energy sector, and indeed all sectors, stand to benefit from this shift, as we move towards a future where technology and nature work hand in hand.