Larvicidal potential and residual activity effect of kinnow peel oil against Aedes aegypti L.

ABSTRACT

Background & objectives: Transmission of dengue virus by Aedes aegypti mosquito is one of the major global health concerns. The present study was aimed to explore the larvicidal potential of oil extracted from kinnow peel waste to be used as an efficient, economic and safe agent against Ae. aegypti. Methods: Kinnow peel oil was extracted and its five concentrations at 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 ppm were tested against 4th instar larvae of Ae. aegypti. Larval mortality (%) and LC50 and LC90 values of toxicity were determined followed by evaluation of the residual activity effect of its leftover effective concentration on larval mortality, development and emergence. Effect of storage (2, 4 and 6 months) on larvicidal potential of kinnow peel oil was also determined. Results: Out of the tested concentrations, 70 ppm of kinnow peel oil was found to be the effective concentration against 4th instar larvae of Ae. aegypti. LC50 and LC90 toxicity values were 47.26 and 61.56 ppm, respectively. No residual activity effect in terms of larval mortality was found, however a significant delay in development (L4 to adult) was observed after placing new larvae in the leftover effective oil concentration. No effect of storage on larvicidal potential of 2, 4 and 6 months old kinnow peel oil in comparison to freshly extracted oil was observed. Interpretation & conclusion: Kinnow peel oil proved to have a good potential as a biolarvicide against Ae. aegypti and could be used as an effective and eco-friendly mosquito control agent in the future.