Larvicidal potency of selected xerophytic plant extracts on Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)
2018
Nael ABUTAHA, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia | Fahd A. AL-MEKHLAFI, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia | Lamya Ahmed AL-KERIDIS, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Muhammad FAROOQ, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia | Fahd A. NASR, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia | Muhammad AL-WADAAN, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
Chemical insecticides released into the environment may have adverse biological effects. Therefore, there is a need for ecofriendly insecticides for mosquito control. Xerophytic plant extracts that may provide more ecofriendly active component were evaluated against Culex pipiens 4th instars. Plant extracts prepared using different solvents with a Soxhlet apparatus and different concentrations were tested against Culex pipiens larvae. The effects were observed at 24 h and 72 h intervals and LD∧50 and LD∧90 values determined. Chloroform (CHCl₃) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of Althaea ludwigii were the most effective against Cx. pipiens 4th instars, but were highly dependent on extract concentrations and exposure time. Results suggest that A. ludwigii extracts contain bioactive compounds, such as phenols and saponins, that may provide effective Cx. pipiens larval control. However, the extract was found to be toxic to zebrafish larvae, and may be toxic to other aquatic fauna. Further studies to determine the active components and toxicity to other fauna are needed.
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