Chemical Composition, Mosquitocidal, and Energetic Activity of <i>Lantana camara</i> (Verbenaceae) Essential Oils against the Avian Malaria Vector <i>Culiseta longiareolata</i> (Diptera: Culicidae) Under the Laboratory Conditions

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out in order to determine the chemical composition of essential oil from Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) collected from El Hamma (Southwest of Setif –Algeria) and to evaluate its insecticidal potential against Culiseta longiareolata (Diptera, Culicidae). The aerial part was hydrodistilled in a Clevenger type apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The larvicidal activity against the fourth instar larvae was determined after 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure according to the World Health Organization procedure. The effect of lethal concentration (LC50) was examined on metabolites quantities (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) at different exposure periods. GC–MS analysis of the L. camara essential oil revealed 71 compounds representing to 99% of the total oil, in 0.10% yield, which the major compounds were caryophyllene (25.16%). The toxicity results showed a highly larvicidal activity with a dose–response relationship, where the LC10, LC25, LC50, and LC90 values at 24 h of exposure were 1.41, 2.87, 6.29, and 27.98 ppm, respectively. The treatment by LC50 induced and a significant impact on the energy reserves, especially on carbohydrates and lipids. Our findings showed that this essential oil has the potential to be used as a mosquito control alternative to chemical insecticides.