Abstract
Problem statement: Certain basil essential oils were claimed to have a larvicidal activity towards mosquito's larvae. To test this claim the essential oils of four accessions of basil grown in Sudan were selected and tested for Anopheles larvae. Malaria is the major health problem in the Sudan and the whole country is now considered endemic, with varying degrees, about 35,000 deaths every year due to malaria. Anopheles mosquito is the major vector of malaria disease in Sudan. Search for larvicidal active compound(s) is one of several attempts to fine effective and affordable ways to control this mosquito. To determine the toxic effects of basil essential oils extracted by steam distillation against Anopheles larvae. Approach: For the larvicidal bioassay, three concentrations (100, 300, 500 ppm) of essential oil solutions of four basil accessions were prepared; 1 mL of ethanol was used to solubilize the oil in water (999 mL). In each concentration of oil solution were inserted 20 larvae (third instars). A set of controls using 0.1% ethanol and untreated sets of larvae in (tap) water, were also run for comparison. Data were evaluated through regression analysis, from the regression line; the LC50 values were read. The active ingredients were separated and/ or identified by TLC, IR and GC-MS. Results: Larvicidal activity of the essential oils is varied, lasted for about 9 h and thereafter decreased, LC50 values ranging from 190-300 ppm. Linalool, geraniol and eugenol are active components of basil essential oil against Anopheles larvae. Two accessions were caused 100% mortality at a concentration range 300-500 ppm for 3 h. Conclusion: These results indicated that basil essential oils have larvicidal activity towards Anopheles larvae. Therefore, could be affordable way to control this mosquito.
Highlights
Mosquitoes are insects belonging to the order Diptera and as other true flies; develop through four distinct life stages-egg, larva, pupa and adult
The purpose of this study is to determine the activities of essential oils from four basil accessions (Ocimum basilicum L.) grown in Sudan were tested against third instars Anopheles mosquito larvae
Essential oils of 4 basil accessions obtained from fresh leaves of the plants by steam distillation were evaluated for larvicidal activity as described
Summary
Mosquitoes are insects belonging to the order Diptera and as other true flies; develop through four distinct life stages-egg, larva, pupa and adult. It is hard to comprehend the amount of disease and the resulting sickness, death and economic loss caused by the mosquito[1]. Their attacks on farm animals can cause loss of weight and decreased milk production. Larval mosquito control should be considered as the first option for abatement. This involves location of larval habitats, followed by their modification or treatment in such a way that the integrity of the habitat is preserved but the mosquito larvae are reduced in numbers[4]. Mosquitoes in the larval stage are attractive targets for pesticides because mosquitoes breed in water and it is easy to deal with them in this habitat
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