Abstract
Simple SummaryPlectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng., commonly known as Indian borage, has been reported to have insecticidal activity against various insects. In this study, the insecticidal properties (contact and fumigant toxicities) derived from P. amboinicus essential oil were investigated against the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, and the horse fly, Tabanus megalops. The results showed that P. amboinicus essential oil has both contact and fumigant toxicities against the target species and thus has potential as an alternative control agent.The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae), and the horse fly, Tabanus megalops (Diptera: Tabanidae), are important ectoparasites of livestock in Thailand. These species affect animal health and cause economic losses. This study investigated the insecticidal activity of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil against S. calcitrans and T. megalops through contact and fumigant toxicity tests and evaluated the effects of the essential oil on these flies through histopathological and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies. The results of the contact toxicity test indicated that the median lethal dose against S. calcitrans and T. megalops was 12.05 and 131.41 µg/fly, and the 90% lethal dose was 45.53 and 200.62 µg/fly, respectively. The results of the fumigant toxicity test showed that the median lethal concentration against S. calcitrans and T. megalops was 1.34 and 7.12 mg/L air, and the 90% lethal concentration was 4.39 and 30.37 mg/L air, respectively. Histopathology revealed neuronal degeneration in the brain of S. calcitrans and interstitial neuronal edema of the brain and ovarian necrosis in T. megalops. No external morphological changes were observed via SEM. Given its insecticidal properties against S. calcitrans and T. megalops, P. amboinicus essential oil could be developed into a natural insecticide to control these fly species.
Highlights
Stable flies (Stomoxys spp. (Diptera: Muscidae)) and horse flies (Tabanus spp. (Diptera: Tabanidae)) are blood-sucking parasites of animals and humans
The yield of P. amboinicus essential oil obtained from fresh leaves was 0.10% (v/w)
This study demonstrated the insecticidal activity of P. amboinicus essential oil against the stable fly, S. calcitrans, and the horse fly, T. megalops, both of which are common species in Thailand [2,4]
Summary
Stable flies (Stomoxys spp. (Diptera: Muscidae)) and horse flies (Tabanus spp. (Diptera: Tabanidae)) are blood-sucking parasites of animals and humans. (Diptera: Tabanidae)) are blood-sucking parasites of animals and humans They are considered as important pests of livestock in Thailand, causing direct problems in animal health especially with horses, cattle, and buffaloes, and considerable economic losses [1–4]. In Thailand, these fly species are important mechanical vectors of Trypanosoma evansi (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae), the protozoan pathogen causing trypanosomosis or surra in horses, cattle, and buffaloes, resulting in an acute, subacute, or chronic disease in these animals [3]. Both the stable fly and the horse fly can mechanically transmit numerous pathogens in cattle such as Anaplasma marginale (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), bovine leukemia virus, and lumpy skin disease virus [6–8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
