Larvicidal activities of various plant extracted Essential oils against Aedes aegypti (L.) Larvae (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

The study aimed to assess the larvicidal potential of essential oils from Eucalyptus teriticornis (Eucalyptus), Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree), Mentha piperita L. (Peppermint), Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) Citrus sinensis (Orange) and Cymbopoganflexuosus (Lemongrass) against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. Various dilations (12.5ppm, 25ppm, 50ppm, 75ppm, 100ppm, 200ppm, 250ppm, 500ppm) of commercially available steam distilled essential oil used to carry out laboratory bioassays. The percentage of mortality of Aedes aegypti (L.) was calculated after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of exposure. Among the essential oils tested Eucalyptus showed the highest larvicidal activity against larvae of C. pipiens (LC50 86.84ppm and LC90 275.42ppm) on 24 hours of exposure. Lemongrass, Peppermint and Lavender showed significant amount of larvicidal activity (LC50 150.52ppm,165.57ppm, 198.51ppm and LC90 615.85ppm, 295.32ppm, 404.42ppm respectively). Orange and Lavender showed moderate mortality rates (LC50 722.08ppm, 788.04ppm and LC90 19109.53ppm, 19455.6 ppm respectively). As all the essential oils show significant larvicidal effect, it can be concluded that essential oils can combat Aedes aegypti larvae. Thus, these compounds may provide an alternative to synthetic insecticides as they are environmentally safe insecticides.