Mosquitocidal activity of different plant extracts and essential oils against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

The bioactivity of petroleum ether extracts and essential oils from 11 locally available plants (Azadirachta indica, Citrus limonum, Datura alba, Dalbergia sissoo, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Ficus religiosa, Melia azedarach, Momordica charantia, Moringa oleifera, Saraca asoca and Syzgium cumini) has been examined against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) by ovicidal, larvicidal, adult emergence inhabitation and adulticidal assays. For ovicidal and larvicidal effect all plant extracts and oils were applied at the concentration of 3, 6, 9 and 12 ppm. Ovicidal effect of test materials was assessed after 48 h of exposure and results revealed that essential oil of C. limonum and S. cumini, while the ether extract oil of A. Indica and M. oleifera was found to be more effective at 12 ppm after 48 h of exposure. In case of larvae, the 2^nd instar larvae were more susceptible than 4^th instar and complete control of both instars was observed after 48 and 72 h of exposure, respectively in most of the cases studied. While for the adult emergence inhibition and adulticidal activity (@ 5, 10, 15 and 20 ppm), the test plant extracts and oils were showed higher efficacy at their respective highest application rates with the exception of A. indica, M. azedarach, D. alba, C. limonum, M. oleifera which gave the maximum control even at 10 and 15 ppm after 24 h. The results of the present study suggest that the plant essential oils were more effective than the petroleum ether extracts, and a range of plants available locally possess a good potential to be used as an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of Ae. aegypti.