Entomological Research (2018) 48, 362-371

Nael Abutaha, Fahd A. Al-Mekhlafi, Lamya Ahmed Al-Keridis, Muhammad Farooq, Fahd A. Nasr and Muhammad Al-Wadaan (2018)
Larvicidal potency of selected xerophytic plant extracts on Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)
Entomological Research 48 (5), 362-371
Abstract: 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 LD₅₀ and LD₉₀ values determined. Chloroform (CHCl₃) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of Althaea ludwigii were the most effective against Cx. pipiens 4^th 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.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Nael Abutaha

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
health/environmental effects of pesticides

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Culex pipiens