Journal of Applied Entomology (2011) 135, 374-381
C. Campbell, R. Gries, G. Khaskin and G. Gries (2011)
Organosulphur constituents in garlic oil elicit antennal and behavioural responses from the yellow fever mosquito
Journal of Applied Entomology 135 (5), 374-381
Abstract: Garlic (Allium sativum) and its essential oil have long been used for their distinct flavour, therapeutic effects and as a topical and systemic insect repellent. We tested the hypothesis that the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae), responds electrophysiologically and behaviourally to specific components of the steam-distilled essential oil of garlic. In coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection analyses of garlic oil, antennae of female Ae. aegypti responded to 14 compounds. Seven of them [diallyl disulphide, diallyl trisulphide, diallyl tetrasulphide, 2-(2,3-dithia-5-hexenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-thiopyran, 3-(2,3-dithia-5-hexenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-thiopyran, 6-methyl-4,5,8,9-tetrathiadodeca-1,11-diene and 4,5,9,10-tetrathiatrideca-1,12-diene] were isolated or synthesized and tested for their ability to repel host-seeking female Ae. aegypti. A solution of diallyl trisulphide and diallyl tetrasulphide applied to a human forearm provided protection from female mosquitoes significantly longer than the paraffin oil control. All compounds had mean protection times significantly shorter than an equivalent dose of the 'gold standard´N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide. Understanding the common moiety in organosulfur compounds that causes repellence could lead to the design of analogues that are more effective than their natural counterparts in repelling mosquitoes.
(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): Gerhard Gries
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
Pest and/or beneficial records:
| Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant.
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aedes aegypti |
