Abstract

Filariasis and Dengue Fever are two mosquito-borne diseases threatening French Polynesia. The potential vectors for transmission of these illnesses are Aedes aegypti (L.), the Yellow Fever mosquito, and Ae. polynesiensis Marks. A research program financed by the Ministry of Health of French Polynesia, the Establishment for Prevention and the Laboratory of Ecophysiology and Biotechnology of Halophytes and Marine Algae was undertaken with the ultimate goal of development of improved insect repellents and lures for insect traps. This goal is made more urgent by the threat of mosquito-borne diseases.