Response surface modeling for West Nile viral encephalitis mosquito control experiments

Mosquitoes not only carry diseases to human beings but also affect animals especially cats,dogs and horses by spreading dog heartworm,west nile virus,eastern equine encephalitis etc. as mosquitoes at immature stages are aquatic in nature and due to pollution,different water grades are present in the environment. this alarming situation has been recognized and statistically investigated in this study. so,this study was designed to investigate the optimal combination of significant factors contributing for the control of immature stages of mosquito by using a statistical tool; response surface methodology. ten factors; ph,dissolved oxygen,time interval,electrical conductivity,total dissolved solids,life stages of mosquitoes,water grades,temperature,oils and oil concentration were initially considered important for mosquito control. the treatments were replicated under laboratory conditions and percentage mortality was counted. these factors were initially screened out by using different screening designs,then significant factors were redesigned at five levels and again mortality was noted. finally,the significant factors were studied with more efficient response surface design,a modified ccd (central composite design). after screening,ph,time,life stages and water grades were found statistically significant. modified central composite design showed that not only the significant factors but their interactions were also very important for mosquito control. mortality was low at different combinations of middle levels of ph and time as compared to the extreme levels. the current experiment is of great importance as it guides us how we can save our environment and lives from the dengue mosquito. © 2017 pvj.