Vol. 11, Issue 6, Part A (2024)

Author(s): Saqlain Irshad, Rimsha Riaz, Durr E Sameen, Shehroz Abbas, Ammara Batool, Kashif Iqbal, Muhammad Usman and Shabab Nasir

Abstract: Mosquitoes are notorious vectors for spreading deadly diseases like dengue and malaria. Chemical pesticides are commonly used for mosquito control but have led to resistance and environmental issues, prompting the exploration of botanical alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of plant extracts in their larvicidal potential, aiming to identify natural alternatives for mosquito control instead of synthetic agents. The Aedes larvae were collected from Faisalabad city and reared in controlled laboratory conditions. The plant materials Cymbopogon citratus, Cinnamomum verum, Azadirachta indica, Ocimum basilicum and Allium cepa were dried, ground into powder, and subjected to extract extraction using a Soxhlet apparatus and aqueous extraction methods. Standard stock solutions were prepared, and different concentrations (150 ppm, 250 ppm, and 500 ppm) were tested for their larvicidal. Mortality rates were calculated after 24, 48, and 72 hours. Data analysis involved calculating percentage mortality, LC₅₀, LC₉₀ and regression analysis. A. cepa was the most effective in ethanolic extracts, achieving 100% mortality at 500 ppm by 72 hours, followed by O. basilicum (95%) and A. indica (90%). C. citratus and C. verum showed moderate efficacy. In aqueous extracts, A. cepa demonstrated the highest mortality (85% at 500 ppm), followed by O. basilicum (75%). LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values confirmed A. cepa superior potency, with an LC₅₀ of 24.664 ppm and LC₉₀ of 275.252 ppm in ethanolic extracts at 72 hours. For aqueous extracts, A. cepa had the lowest LC₅₀ (116.806 ppm) and LC₉₀ (565.726 ppm), with ethanolic extracts generally outperforming aqueous extracts. Results of this study shows that the ethanolic extract of A. cepa considered as a most potent source of a mosquito larvicidal agent. The findings indicate that the plant extracts hold promise as an environmentally friendly solution for controlling disease vectors. Also investigate the synergistic effects of combined plant extracts and optimize extraction methods to enhance their efficacy and potency against Aedes mosquitoes.

DOI: 10.22271/23487941.2024.v11.i6a.817