Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part A (2015)

Author(s): K. Velu, D. Elumalai, P. Hemalatha, M. Babu, A. Janaki, P. K. Kaleena

Abstract: Phytochemicals represent a rich resource for the discovery of novel pesticides that are effective, cheap and environmentally safe. The main targeted mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi cause serious human diseases. The chloroform, acetone, ethanol, methanol and aqueous peel extracts of Arachis hypogaea were studied for its larvicidal activity against the mosquito vectors. Phytochemical screening of the peel extracts showed the presence of bioactive compounds such as tannins, saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, beta cyanin, coumarins, quinones and steroids. GC-MS analysis of the peel extract of A. hypogaea was done to identify the major phyto compounds. Histopathological studies revealed damage in the tissues of the mid gut and cuticle. The results showed that the peel extract of A. hypogaea and its effective constituents can be considered as potent source for the production of natural larvicides.

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