Gisel Virginia Gigena

Mrs. Gisel Virginia Gigena


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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29 October 2025 in Insects
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EDErika V. Díaz
Erika V. Díaz
FFFEDERICO GASTON FIAD
FEDERICO GASTON FIAD
GGGisel Virginia Gigena
Gisel Virginia Gigena
ALAna Graciela López
Ana Graciela López
RPRomina Valeria Piccinali
Romina Valeria Piccinali
JNJulieta Nattero
Julieta Nattero
Understanding the dispersal capacity of Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Chagas disease in South America, is vital for vector control and managing recolonization after insecticide use. This study compares the seasonal frequency of melanic and non-melanic T. infestans morphs in Northwestern Córdoba Province, Argentina, and examines their association with environmental variables, morphometric traits, nutritional status, and flight capacity. Insects were collected at the beginning and end of the warm season. Dorsal coloration, morphometric traits, nutritional status, flight-related indices, climatic variables, and vegetation cover were recorded. Chromatic morph frequencies were analyzed using chi-square tests. Biological predictors were identified through multi-model inference, and environmental associations explored with Canonical Correspondence Analysis. Melanic individuals decreased from early to late warm season, especially males. Wing loading correlated strongly with morphotype, being higher in non-melanic forms. Pronotum size were also a significant predictor. Nutritional status had no clear effect. Cattle pasture cover and rainfall influenced morph frequency, mainly in males. These results reveal a complex interaction between phenotypic and environmental factors shaping color morph variation, highlighting the importance of understanding these dynamics to optimize vector surveillance and control in areas prone to reinfestation.

16 June 2026 in Acta Tropica
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
GGGisel Virginia Gigena
Gisel Virginia Gigena
CRClaudia S. Rodríguez
Claudia S. Rodríguez
EDErika V. Díaz
Erika V. Díaz
ALAna Graciela López
Ana Graciela López
FFFEDERICO GASTON FIAD
FEDERICO GASTON FIAD
JNJulieta Nattero
Julieta Nattero