Immune-enhancing Effects of Chitosan-fermented Feed Additive on Broiler Chickens and Subsequent Protection Conferred against Experimental Infection with Salmonella Gallinarum.

Benefits chitosan-fermented feed additives (CFFAs) particularly in the regulation of the immune system and antimicrobial activity. Therefore, we investigated the immune-enhancing and bacterial clearance effects of CFFA (fermented by Bacillus licheniformis) on broiler chickens Salmonella Gallinarum challenge. We administered 2% or 4% CFFA evaluated its immune-enhancing effects using several immunological experiments, including examination of lysozyme activity, lymphocyte proliferation, and expression of cytokines. We also evaluated the bacterial clearance effects of CFFA against S. Gallinarum. CFFA administration markedly enhanced lysozyme activity, lymphocyte proliferation, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interferon gamma in the spleen. In broilers challenged with S. Gallinarum, the clinical signs of S. Gallinarum infection and the number of viable bacterial colonies in the feces and tissues decreased in both CFFA groups. Therefore, CFFAs could be good candidates for feed additive to improve nonspecific immune responses and bacterial clearance.

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae enhances immune activities and increases survivability of broiler chicks against experimental infection of Salmonella Gallinarum.

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) are rich in protein and have the potential to be used in animal feed. The aim of the present study was to determine the immunoprophylactic effect of BSFL against Salmonella Gallinarum in broiler chicks as an alternative feed additive. Results showed that BSFL improved body weight gain and increased frequency of CD4+ T lymphocyte, serum lysozyme activity, and spleen lymphocyte proliferation. Moreover, BSFL reinforced bacterial clearance and increased survivability of broiler chicks against S. Gallinarum. These data suggested that BSFL has prophylactic properties with stimulating non-specific immune responses, as well as reduced bacterial burden against S. Gallinarum.

Food Protective Effects of 3-Methylbenzaldehyde Derived from Myosotis arvensis and Its Analogues against Tyrophagus putrescentiae.

The potential abilities of 3-methylbenzaldehyde derived from Myosotis arvensis oil and its structural analogues to act as new acaricide and mite kit (mite color deformation) against Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) were evaluated in the present study. Based on the LD50 values, 2,4,5-trimethylbenzaldehyde (0.78 µg/cm3) had highest vapor action against T. putrescentiae, followed by 2,4-methylbenzaldehyde (1.14 µg/cm3), 2,5-dimethylbenzaldehyde (1.29 µg/cm3), 2-methylbenzaldehyde (1.32 µg/cm3), 2,3-dimethylbenzaldehyde (1.55 µg/cm3), 3-methylbenzaldehyde (1.97 µg/cm3), and 4-methylbenzaldehyde (2.34 µg/cm3). The color deformation of seven methylbenzaldehyde analogues mixed with 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde against T. putrescentiae showed mite color deformation, from coloress to reddish brown, and valuable to distinguish with the naked eye. In addition, there was no antagonistic interactions between 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and the methylbenzaldehyde analogues. These finding suggests that the methylbenzaldehyde analogues could be developed as dual functional agent to protect from fall in the commercial value of stored food products.

Insecticidal activities of their components derived from the essential oils of Cinnamomum sp. barks and against Ricania sp. (Homoptera: Ricaniidae), a newly recorded pest.

BACKGROUND: Insecticidal activities of Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum zeylanicum oils and their components are not known against Ricania sp. Insecticidal activities of major components derived from C. cassia and C. zeylanicum oils were examined in spray and leaf-dipping bioassays against Ricania sp. nymphs and adults. RESULTS: The LC50 value of C. cassia and C. zeylanicum oils was 37.66 and 72.62 mg L-1 , respectively, in leaf-dipping bioassays against Ricania sp. nymphs, and 77.38 and 134.86 mg L-1 in spray bioassays against Ricania sp. adults. The insecticidal activity of C. cassia oil was 1.74-1.93 times greater than that of C. zeylanicum oil. When examined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, the cinnamaldehyde content of C. cassia and C. zeylanicum oils was 80.20% and 46.32%, respectively. Based on the LC50 values of cinnamaldehyde, hydrocinnamaldehyde and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamaldehyde against Ricania sp. nymphs and adults, cinnamaldehyde (LC50 , 31.25 and 62.43 mg L-1 ) demonstrated the most potent insecticidal activity, followed by 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamaldehyde (172.19 and 212.77 mg L-1 ) and hydrocinnamaldehyde (275.05 and 318.63 mg L-1 ). CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that C. cassia oil, C. zeylanicum oil and cinnamaldehyde have potential value in the management of Ricania sp. and could be valuable as effective insecticides. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Detection of Rickettsia felis and Rickettsia typhi and seasonal prevalence of fleas collected from small mammals at Gyeonggi Province in the Republic of Korea.

Fleas were collected from live-captured small mammals to identify flea-borne pathogens, host associations, and seasonal prevalence of flea species, as part of the 65th Medical Brigade rodent-borne disease surveillance program at 20 military installations and training sites, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea, 2005-2007. A total of 1251 fleas were recovered from 2833 small mammals. Apodemus agrarius, the striped field mouse, accounted for 93.1% (2,637/2,833) of all small mammals captured, followed by Crocidura lasiura (3.1%), Mus musculus (1.3%), Microtus fortis (0.7%), Myodes regulus (0.7%), Micromys minutus (0.5%), Rattus norvegicus (0.4%), Tscherskia triton (0.1%), Apodemus peninsulae (< 0.1%), Rattus rattus (< 0.1%), and Mogera robusta (< 0.1%). A total of 6/11 species of mammals captured were infested with fleas with infestation rates ranging from a high of 26.3% (A. agrarius and M. regulus) to a low of 5.3% (M. fortis). Flea indices among infested mammals were highest for R. norvegicus (2.50), followed by C. lasiura (2.20), A. agrarius (1.71), M. regulus (1.20), M. musculus (1.0), and M. fortis (1.0). The predominant flea species collected were Stenoponia sidimi (56.5%), followed by Ctenophthalmus congeneroides (38.3%) and Rhadinopsylla insolita (3.9%). The minimum field infection rates [number of positive pools/total number of fleas (600)] for Rickettsia typhi and for Rickettsia felis were 1.7% and 1.0%, respectively.

Efficacy of spray formulations containing binary mixtures of clove and eucalyptus oils against susceptible and pyrethroid/ malathion-resistant head lice (Anoplura: Pediculidae).

The control efficacy of clove, Eugenia caryophyllata, and eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus, essential oils and 15 formulations containing these essential oils alone (8, 12, and 15% sprays) and their binary mixtures (7:3, 5:5, and 3:7 by weight) against adult females of insecticide-susceptible KR-HL and dual malathion- and permethrin-resistant BR-HL strains of head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis (De Geer), was examined by using contact plus fumigant and human hair wig (placed over the head of mannequin) mortality bioassays. In contact plus fumigant mortality bioassay, essential oils from eucalyptus (0.225 mg/cm2) and clove (1.149 mg/cm2) were less effective than either d-phenothrin (0.0029 mg/cm2) or pyrethrum (0.0025 mg/cm2) based on 6-h median lethal concentration values. However, the efficacies of eucalyptus and clove oils were almost identical against females fromn both strains, despite high levels of resistance of the BR-HL females to d-phenothrin (resistance ratio, 667) and pyrethrum (resistance ratio, 754). In human hair wig mortality bioassay, eucalyptus oil spray treatment gave better control efficacy than either spray treatment with clove oil alone or their binary mixtures. Thus, eucalyptus applied as 8% sprays (15 or 20 ml) appears to provide effective protection against pediculosis even to insecticide-resistant head louse populations. Once the safety issues resolved, covering the treated hair and scalp with bath shower cap or hat would ensure the fumigant action of the essential oil.

Detection of Rickettsia typhi and seasonal prevalence of fleas collected from small mammals in the Republic of Korea.

Fleas were collected from live-captured small mammals to identify potential flea-borne pathogens, seasonal prevalence of flea species, and host preference as part of the US military rodent-borne diseases surveillance program conducted at one US military installation and 10 military training sites, northern Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea. During 2003-04, 948 fleas (563 females and 385 males) were recovered from 2,742 small mammals (seven rodent and one insectivore species). Apodemus agrarius (striped field mouse) accounted for 88.9% (2,439/2,742) of the small mammals, followed by Crocidura lasiura (4.2%), Mus musculus (2.9%), Microtus fortis (2.2%), Myodes regulus (0.6%), Micromys minutus (0.5%), Tscherskia triton (0.5%), and Rattus norvegicus (0.3%). Small mammal infestation rates (number with fleas/number captured) ranged from 7.7% (M. minutus and T. triton) to 31.3% (M. regulus). Flea indices were highest for M. regulus (0.69/captured rodent), followed by C. lasiura (0.54), M. fortis (0.41), A. agrarius (0.34), and R. norvegicus (0.33). Overall, Ctenophthalmus congeneroides (51.3%) was more frequently collected, followed by Stenoponia sidimi (42.6%), Rhadinopsylla insolita (5.5%), Neopsylla bidentatiformis (0.4%), Rhadinopsylla concava (0.1%), and Doratopsylla coreana (0.1%). Ctenophthalmus congeneroides was more frequently collected from small mammals during the spring and summer, while S. sidimi was more frequently collected during the winter season. Rickettsia typhi, the causative agent of murine typhus, was detected in 3.2% of specimens (7/220 pools from 654 fleas; minimum field infection rate [number of positive pools/total number of fleas] was 1.1%).

Ovicidal and adulticidal activities of Origanum majorana essential oil constituents against insecticide-susceptible and pyrethroid/malathion-resistant Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculidae).

The toxicity of essential oil constituents from marjoram, Origanum majorana, to eggs and adult females of the susceptible KR-HL and dual malathion- and permethrin-resistant BR-HL strains of human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, was examined using contact + fumigant mortality bioassay. Results were compared with those following treatment with two pyrethroid pediculicides, d-phenothrin or pyrethrum. As judged by the lethal time to 50% mortality (LT(50)) values at the exposure rate of 0.25 mg/cm(2), 1,8-cineole (14.1 min) was the most toxic compound, followed by linalool (15.4 min) to KR-HL females. These compounds were faster acting than either d-phenothrin (24.1 min) or pyrethrum (33.4 min). Based on the lethal concentration causing 50% mortality (LC(50)) values, (-)-camphor (0.022 mg/cm(2)) was the most toxic compound, followed by linalool (0.035 mg/cm(2)), (-)-terpinen-4-ol (0.040 mg/cm(2)), alpha-terpineol (0.045 mg/cm(2)), and 1,8-cineole (0.068 mg/cm(2)) against KR-HL females. These monoterpenoids were less toxic than either d-phenothrin (LC(50), 0.0015 mg/cm(2)) or pyrethrum (0.0013 mg/cm(2)). However, the toxicities of these monoterpenoids were almost identical against females from either of the two strains, even though the BR-HL females exhibited high levels of resistance to d-phenothrin [resistance ratio (RR), 667] and pyrethrum (RR, 754). After a 24 h exposure to linalool, BR-HL egg hatch was inhibited 100 and 84% at 0.25 or 0.125 mg/cm(2), respectively, while (-)-terpinen-4-ol caused 94 and 69% inhibition of egg hatch at 0.25 and 0.125 mg/cm(2). alpha-Terpineol caused 88 and 76% inhibition of egg hatch at 0.5 and 0.25 mg/cm(2), respectively. Thus, certain monoterpenoids from O. majorana essential oil, particularly linalool, (-)-terpinen-4-ol and alpha-terpineol, merit further study as potential pediculicides and ovicides for the control of insecticide-resistant P. h. capitis populations as fumigants with contact action.

Ovicidal and adulticidal activities of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark essential oil compounds and related compounds against Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculicidae).

The toxicity of cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, bark essential oil compounds against eggs and adult females of human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, was examined using direct contact and vapour phase toxicity bioassays and compared with the lethal activity of their related compounds, benzyl alcohol, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl acetate, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and salicylaldehyde, as well as two widely used pediculicides, d-phenothrin and pyrethrum. In a filter-paper contact toxicity bioassay with female lice at 0.25 mg/cm(2), benzaldehyde was 29- and 27-fold more toxic than pyrethrum and d-phenothrin, respectively, as judged by median lethal time (LT(50)) values. Salicylaldehyde was nine and eight times more active than pyrethrum and d-phenothrin, respectively. Pediculicidal activity of linalool was comparable with that of d-phenothrin and pyrethrum. Cinnamomum bark essential oil was slightly less effective than either d-phenothrin or pyrethrum. Benzyl alcohol and (E)-cinnamaldehyde exhibited moderate pediculicidal activity. After 24h of exposure, no hatching was observed with 0.063 mg/cm(2) salicylaldehyde, 0.125 mg/cm(2) benzaldehyde, 0.5mg/cm(2)Cinnamomum bark essential oil, 1.0 mg/cm(2) (E)-cinnamaldehyde, and 1.0 mg/cm(2) benzyl cinnamate. Little or no ovicidal activity was observed with d-phenothrin or pyrethrum. In vapour phase toxicity tests with female lice, benzaldehyde and salicylaldehyde were much more effective in closed containers than in open ones, indicating that the mode of delivery of these compounds was largely due to action in the vapour phase. Neither d-phenothrin nor pyrethrum exhibited fumigant toxicity. Cinnamomum bark essential oil and test compounds described merit further study as potential pediculicides or ovicides for the control of P. h. capitis.

Vapor phase toxicity of marjoram oil compounds and their related monoterpenoids to Blattella germanica (Orthoptera: Blattellidae).

The toxicity of marjoram, Origanum majorana L., oil, 41 monoterpenoids, and 2 sesquiterpenoids against adult females of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica L., was examined using direct contact and vapor phase toxicity bioassays and compared with those of deltamethrin, dichlorvos, permethrin, and propoxur, four commonly used insecticides. In a filter-paper contact toxicity bioassay, the adulticidal activities of pulegone (0.06 mg/cm2), (+/-)-camphor (0.07 mg/cm2), and verbenone (0.07 mg/cm2) were comparable to that of permethrin (0.05 mg/cm2) but more pronounced than that of propoxur (0.18 mg/cm2), as judged by the 24-h LC50 values. These compounds were less effective than either deltamethrin (0.013 mg/cm2) or dichlorvos (0.007 mg/cm2). The toxicity of marjoram oil, thymol, alpha-terpineol, (-)-alpha-thujone, linalool, 1,8-cineole, (-)-camphor, and (+)-carvone, ranging from 0.08 to 0.18 mg/cm2, was higher than that of propoxur. In vapor phase toxicity tests, verbenone (11.48 mg/L air) was the most toxic compound followed by (-)-alpha-thujone (18.43 mg/L of air), thymol (18.76 mg/L of air), alpha-terpineol (21.89 mg/L of air), (+/-)-camphor (24.59 mg/L of air), linalool (26.20 mg/L of air), and marjoram oil (38.28 mg/L of air) on the basis of the 24-h LC50 values. Dichlorvos (0.07 mg/L of air) was the most potent fumigant. Structure-activity relationships indicate that structural characteristics, such as degrees of saturation and types of functional groups rather than types of carbon skeleton, and hydrophobicity and vapor pressure parameters appear to play a role in determining the monoterpenoid toxicities to adult B. germanica. Marjoram oil and the monoterpenoids described merit further study as potential fumigants or leads for the control of B. germanica.

Repellency of aerosol and cream products containing fennel oil to mosquitoes under laboratory and field conditions.

The repellency of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller)-containing products (5% aerosol and 8% cream) against mosquitoes was compared with those of citronella oil, geranium oil and deet, as well as three commercial repellents, Baby Keeper cream containing IR3535, MeiMei cream containing citronella and geranium oils, and Repellan S aerosol containing 19% N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (deet) under laboratory and field conditions. In a laboratory study with female Aedes aegypti (L), fennel oil exhibited good repellency in a release-in-cage test and repellency in skin and patch tests of the oil was comparable with those of citronella and geranium oils. In paddy field tests with five human volunteers, 5% and 8% fennel oil-containing aerosol and cream produced 84% and 70% repellency, respectively, at 90 min after exposure, whereas Baby Keeper cream and MeiMei cream gave 71% and 57% repellency at 90 min after exposure, respectively, and Repellan S aerosol gave 89% repellency at 210 min. The species and ratio of mosquitoes collected were the genera Culex (44.1%), Anopheles (42.2%), Aedes (7.8%) and Armigeres (5.9%). Fennel oil-containing products could be useful for protection from humans and domestic animals from vector-borne diseases and nuisance caused by mosquitoes.

Insecticidal activity of plant essential oils against Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculidae).

The insecticidal activity of 54 plant essential oils against female Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer was examined using direct contact and fumigation methods, and compared with the lethal activity of delta-phenothrin and pyrethrum, two commonly used pediculicides. In a filter paper contact bioassay with female P. humanus capitis, the pediculicidal activity was more pronounced in eucalyptus, marjoram, pennyroyal, and rosemary oils than in delta-phenothrin and pyrethrum on the basis of LT50 values at 0.0625 mg/cm2. At 0.125 mg/cm2, pediculicidal activity of cade, cardamone ceylon, clove bud, myrtle, rosewood, and sage oils was comparable with that of the test insecticides. In fumigation tests with female P. humanus capitis at 0.25 mg/cm2, eucalyptus, marjoram, pennyroyal, and rosemary oils were more effective in closed containers than in open ones, indicating that the effect of these oils was largely a result of action in the vapor phase. Neither delta-phenothrin nor pyrethrum exhibited fumigant toxicity. The essential oils described herein merit further study as potential control agents for P. humanus capitis.

Repellency of aromatic medicinal plant extracts and a steam distillate to Aedes aegypti.

The repellent activity of methanol extracts from 23 aromatic medicinal plant species and a steam distillate against female blood-starved Aedes aegypti was examined in the laboratory by skin test and compared with that of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (deet). Responses varied according to plant species. At a dose of 0.1 mg/cm2, the repellency of extracts of Cinnamomum cassia bark (91%), Nardostachys chinensis rhizome (81%), Paeonia suffruticosa root bark (80%), and Cinnamomum camphora steam distillate (94%) was comparable to deet (82%). The duration of the effectiveness for extracts from C. cassia bark and N. chinensis rhizome was comparable to deet and lasted for approximately 1 h. Relatively short duration of repellency was observed in P. suffruticosa root bark extract and C. camphora steam distillate. The plants described merit further study as potential mosquito repellent agents.

Ovicidal and adulticidal activity of Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil terpenoids against Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculidae).

The toxic effects of Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil-derived monoterpenoids [1,8-cineole, l-phellandrene, (-)-alpha-pinene, 2-beta-pinene, trans-pinocarveol, gamma-terpinene, and 1-alpha-terpineol] and the known Eucalyptusleaf oil terpenoids (beta-eudesmol and geranyl acetate) on eggs and females of the human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, were examined using direct contact and fumigation bioassays and compared with the lethal activity of delta-phenothrin and pyrethrum, two commonly used pediculicides. In a filter paper contact bioassay with female P. h. capitis, the pediculicidal activity was more pronounced with Eucalyptus leaf oil than with either delta-phenothrin or pyrethrum on the basis of LT(50) values (0.125 vs 0.25 mg/cm(2)). 1,8-Cineole was 2.2- and 2.3-fold more toxic than either delta-phenothrin or pyrethrum, respectively. The pediculicidal activities of (-)-alpha-pinene, 2-beta-pinene, and (E)-pinocarveol were comparable to those of delta-phenothrin and pyrethrum. l-Phellandrene, gamma-terpinene, and 1-alpha-terpineol were relatively less active than delta-phenothrin and pyrethrum. beta-Eudesmol and geranyl acetate were ineffective. 1-alpha-Terpineol and (E)-pinocaveol were highly effective at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/cm(2), respectively, against P. h. capitis eggs. At 1.0 mg/cm(2), (-)-alpha-pinene, 2-beta-pinene, and gamma-terpinene exhibited moderate ovicidal activity, whereas little or no ovicidal activity was observed with the other terpenoids and with delta-phenothrin and pyrethrum. In fumigation tests with female P. h. capitis at 0.25 mg/cm(2), 1,8-cineole, (-)-alpha-pinene, (E)-pinocarveol, and 1-alpha-terpineol were more effective in closed cups than in open ones, indicating that the effect of the monoterpenoids was largely due to action in the vapor phase. Neither delta-phenothrin nor pyrethrum exhibited fumigant toxicity. Eucalyptus leaf oil, particularly 1,8-cineole, 1-alpha-terpineol, and (E)-pinocaveol, merits further study as potential pediculicides or lead compounds for the control of P. h. capitis.

Emodin isolated from Cassia obtusifolia (Leguminosae) seed shows larvicidal activity against three mosquito species.

Mosquito larvicidal activity of Cassia obtusifolia (Leguminosae) seed-derived materials against the fourth-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, Aedes togoi, and Culex pipiens pallens was examined. The chloroform fraction of C. obtusifolia extract showed a strong larvicidal activity of 100% mortality at 25 mg/L. The biologically active component of C. obtusifolia seeds was characterized as emodin by spectroscopic analyses. The LC(50) values of emodin were 1.4, 1.9, and 2.2 mg/L against C. pipiens pallens, A. aegypti, and A. togoi, respectively. Pirimiphos-methyl acts as a positive control directly compared to emodin. Pirimiphos-methyl was a much more potent mosquito larvicide than emodin. Nonetheless, emodin may be useful as a lead compound and new agent for a naturally occurring mosquito larvicidal agent. In tests with hydroxyanthraquinones, no activity was observed with alizarin, danthron, and quinizarin, but purpurin has an apparent LC(50) value of approximately 19.6 mg/L against A. aegypti.

Ovicidal and adulticidal effects of Eugenia caryophyllata bud and leaf oil compounds on Pediculus capitis.

The toxicity of Eugenia caryophyllata bud and leaf oil-derived compounds (acetyleugenol, beta-caryophyllene, eugenol, alpha-humulene, and methyl salicylate) and congeners of eugenol (isoeugenol and methyleugenol) against eggs and females of Pediculus capitis was examined using direct contact application and fumigation methods and compared with those of the widely used delta-phenothrin and pyrethrum. In a filter paper diffusion bioassay with female P. capitis, the pediculicidal activity of the Eugenia bud and leaf oils was comparable to those of delta-phenothrin and pyrethrum on the basis of LT(50) values at 0.25 mg/cm(2). At 0.25 mg/cm(2), the compound most toxic to female P. capitis was eugenol followed by methyl salicylate. Acetyleugenol, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, isoeugenol, and methyleugenol were not effective. Eugenol at 0.25 mg/cm(2) was as potent as delta-phenothrin and pyrethrum but was slightly less effective than the pyrethroids at 0.125 mg/cm(2). Against P. capitis eggs, methyl salicylate and eugenol were highly effective at 0.25 and 1.0 mg/cm(2), respectively, whereas little or no activity at 5 mg/cm(2) was observed with the other test compounds as well as with delta-phenothrin and pyrethrum. In fumigation tests with female P. capitis at 0.25 mg/cm(2), eugenol and methyl salicylate were more effective in closed cups than in open ones, indicating that the effect of the compounds was largely due to action in the vapor phase. Neither delta-phenothrin nor pyrethrum exhibited fumigant toxicity. The Eugenia bud and leaf essential oils, particularly eugenol and methyl salicylate, merit further study as potential P. capitis control agents or lead compounds.

Larvicidal activity of leguminous seeds and grains against Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens pallens.

Larvicidal activity of methanol extracts of 26 leguminous seeds and 20 grains against early 4th-stage larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens pallens was examined. At 200 ppm of the extracts from Cassia obtusifolia, Cassia tora, and Vicia tetrasperma, more than 90% mortality was obtained in larvae of Ae. aegypti and Cx. pipiens pallens. Extract of C. tora gave 86.7 and 100% mortality in the larvae of Ae. aegypti and Cx. pipiens pallens at 40 ppm but 59.2 and 78.3% mortality against larvae of Ae. aegypti and Cx. pipiens pallens at 20 ppm, respectively. At 40 ppm, extract of C. obtusifolia caused 51.4 and 68.5% mortality of the 4th-stage larvae of Ae. aegypti and Cx. pipiens pallens, respectively. Larvicidal activity of extract of C obtusifolia was significantly reduced when used at 20 ppm. Further studies of these plants as possible agents for mosquito control are warranted.

A piperidine amide extracted from Piper longum L. fruit shows activity against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae.

Mosquito larvicidal activity of Piper longum fruit-derived materials against the fourth-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti was examined. A crude methanol extract of P. longum fruits was found to be active against the larvae, and the hexane fraction of the methanol extract showed a strong larvicidal activity of 100% mortality. The biologically active component of P. longum fruits was characterized as pipernonaline by spectroscopic analyses. The LC(50) value of pipernonaline was 0.25 mg/L. The toxicity of pipernonaline is comparable to that of pirimiphos-methyl as a mosquito larvicide. In tests with available components derived from P. longum, no activity was observed with piperettine, piperine, or piperlongumine.