Semiochemical oviposition cues to control Aedes aegypti gravid females: state of the art and proposed framework for their validation

In the fight against mosquito-borne diseases, odour-based lures targeting gravid females represent a promising alternative to conventional tools for both reducing mosquito populations and monitoring pathogen transmission. To be sustainable and effective, they are expected to use semiochemicals that act specifically against the targeted vector species. In control programmes directed against Aedes aegypti, several candidates of different origins (conspecifics, plants) have already been identified as potential oviposition attractants or repellents in laboratory experiments. However, few of these candidates have received validation in field experiments, studies depicting the active molecules and their mode of perception are still scarce, and there are several methodological challenges (i.e. lack of standardization, differences in oviposition index interpretation and use) that should be addressed to ensure a better reproducibility and accelerate the validation of candidates. In this review, we address the state of the art of the compounds identified as potential candidates for trap development against Ae. aegypti and their level of validation. We also offer a critical methodological analysis, highlight remaining gaps and research priorities, and propose a workflow to validate these candidates and to increase the panel of odours available to specifically trap Ae. aegypti. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text]