ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Recently, the use of biodegradable and environment friendly plant-based bioinsecticides has received a great deal of attention from researchers to control insect disease vectors. The aim of this research is to determine the larvicidal efficacy of Ruta graveolens essential oil against third instar larvae of two species of mosquito (Culex pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata) and a biological model Drosophila melanogaster. Methods: Culiseta longiareolata and Culex pipiens larvae were collected from untreated areas located in Tebessa and Drosophila melanogaster, the wild strain collected from rotten apples in the Tebessa region. Ruta graveolens essential oil has been tested at different concentrations between 2.5µL/mL and 140µL/mL against third instar larvae of the three species under standard laboratory conditions according to the recommendations from the Word Health Organization. The effects were examined on mortality, growth and the main components (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids). Results: The essential oil showed larvicidal activity with LC50 and LC90 values (10.85µL/mL, 70.95µL/mL and 39.41µL/mL), (26.5µL/mL, 144.5µL/mL and 89.57µL/mL) against third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster, Culex pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata respectively. In addition, it disrupted the growth and several morphological malformations were observed. It also affected growth and the main components (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids). Interpretation & conclusion: The essential oil affected growth and energy reserves for all three species. The results indicated that the essential oil of Ruta graveolens has good potential as a source of natural larvicides.