Fungus fight against mosquitos

Scientists say a ground breaking study, by a team of academics led by Swansea University, could have far-reaching implications for the control of mosquito larvae across the world.

They say the study, into the mechanisms by which the insect fungus Metarhizium anisopliae kills mosquito larvae, has been published by the PLOS One research journal.

Professor Tariq Butt:

'The results from the study show that by simply casting the fungus spores on water we should be able to help to defeat troublesome life threatening colonies of mosquitoes which have been gradually moving north into Europe as the climate warms up.'

'Trials are currently taking place in Africa and the findings would have important consequences for tackling malaria and other mosquito transmitted diseases.'