Effect Of Thymus Vulgaris, Mentha Piperita And Pelargonium Citrosum Leaf, Syzygium Aromaticum Buds And Citrus Limonoids Peels Extracts As Mosquito Larvicidal And Pupicidal Agent

Abstract

Mosquito control depends on application of synthetic insecticides. This has been limited due to its harmful effect on human health. This increased needs for botanical origin alternatives as a sustainable and more safe method of mosquito control. The current study aimed to evaluate larvicidal and pupicidal effect of thyme ( Thymus vulgaris ), peppermint ( Mentha piperita ) and citronella leaf ( Pelargonium citrosum ), clove buds ( Syzygium aromaticum ) and lemon peels ( Citrus limonoids) methanolic extracts. Tested plants were extracted and three concentrations of these extracts were prepared (25, 50 and 100 mg/ml) then their larvicidal and pupicidal activities were evaluated against 20 larvae and 20 pupas for each concentration. Mortality rate were calculated after 24 hrs. Adult mosquitoes were identified to genus level. Clove showed the highest larvae mortality rate (100%) for the three tested concentrations, followed by thyme, lemon and peppermint. Citronella had no effect as larvicidal agent. On the other hand, pupicidal activity test of thyme showed the highest results followed by clove. While lemon didn’t show any activity. Mosquito was identified as Culex. The result showed that buds extract of S. aromaticum and leaf extracts of T. vulgaris and peels extract of C. limonoids could serve as potential larvicidal extracts against the Culex mosquito.