Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

7-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Christopher Vitek

Second Advisor

Dr. Rupesh Kariyat

Third Advisor

Dr. Erin Schuenzel

Abstract

Experiment 1: Little is known about Aedes aegypti females sharing oviposition sites. We examined four different oviposition sites in McAllen, TX. A mitochondrial gene was used to analyze the variation within the oviposition site to understand how many egg-laying females are sharing oviposition sites. These results will aid in the understanding of Aedes. aegypti oviposition behavior and contribute to more effective mosquito control techniques.

Experiment 2: Mosquito flight patterns and movement from habitat to habitat can drastically influence the spread of diseases. The anthropophilic Aedes aegypti mosquito has historically been identified as having a very limited flight range. Studies also have shown that insecticides and barriers such as rivers contribute to low genetic differentiation in Aedes aegypti populations, presumably through limiting movement. To study population genetics of Aedes aegypti, the examination of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from 20 different sites in a continuous residential habitat in McAllen, Texas was conducted. A mitochondrial gene was used to estimate a genetic relationship between oviposition site distances and mosquito genetic differentiation. These results will aid in estimating outbreak containment and spread as well as increasing efficacy of mosquito control efforts.

Comments

Copyright 2020 Rachel Christine Malampy. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/using-genetic-diversity-differentiate-mosquito/docview/2454633893/se-2?accountid=7119

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