Eco-Friendly Larvicidal Potential of Sinularia polydactyla Methanolic Extract Against Culex pipiens: A Promising Approach for Sustainable Vector Control

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the larvicidal potential of methanolic extract of Sinularia polydactylaagainst 3rd instar larvae of Culex pipiens. The extract exhibited dose-dependent larvicidalactivity, with mortality rates ranging from 3% to 98% at concentrations of 32.5 to 500 ppmafter 10 days of exposure. The calculated LC50 and LC90 values were 61.83 ppm and334.72 ppm, respectively, indicating strong larvicidal efficacy. Additionally, the extractsignificantly delayed larval development, preventing progression to the pupal stage.Chemical analysis revealed the presence of sesquiterpenes, fatty acids, piperidine, andimidazole derivatives, which likely contribute to the extract’s bioactivity. Importantly, theextract demonstrated eco-friendly properties by selectively targeting mosquito larvaewithout affecting non-target organisms. These findings support S. polydactyla extract as apromising candidate for eco-friendly vector control strategies and integrated mosquitomanagement programs.