Larvicidal Effect of Sea Cucumber (Stichopus horrens) against Aedes aegypti Mosquito Larvae (Diptera: Culicidae)

Background: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are vectors for severe diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya and yellow fever, presenting a substantial global health challenge. Traditional control measures, primarily chemical insecticides, face limitations due to resistance development and environmental concerns. This study investigates the larvicidal potential of Stichopus horrens extract against Ae. aegypti larvae as an alternative, eco-friendly control strategy. Methods: S. horrens were collected and extracts were prepared using methanol. Larvicidal activity was assessed using various concentrations (0.1% to 5.0%) of the extract, with mortality rates recorded after 24 hours. Result: Results demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in larval mortality, reaching 98.8% at the highest concentration. The LC50 and LC90 values were 0.79% and 5.84%, respectively, indicating significant efficacy. The steep dose-response curve suggests potent activity even at low concentrations. These findings align with previous studies highlighting marine-derived compounds’ potential in mosquito control. The effectiveness of S. horrens extract, combined with its low toxicity to non-target organisms, underscores its promise as part of integrated pest management strategies. Further research is needed to isolate the bioactive compounds and evaluate their field efficacy. This study supports the development of sustainable mosquito control methods to combat resistance and environmental impact.