The Influences of the Water Extract of Aloe Vera (L) Burm.f. on the Life Period of Culex pipiens Larvae

Culex mosquitoes are important vectors of several human and animal diseases, including filariasis and various forms of encephalitis, making the control of their larvae a public health priority. In this study, Culex pipiens larvae were collected from a pond within the botanical garden of the Ibn Al-Haitham College of Education for Pure Sciences, and Aloe vera leaves were also collected from the same college's gardens. Aqueous Aloe vera extract was prepared and tested for its larval bactericidal activity against Culex pipiens mosquitoes under controlled laboratory conditions. Larvae of all four larval stages were exposed to a range of extract concentrations (10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) in five replicates, each containing 50 larvae. Larval mortality was observed after 12 and 24 hours of exposure at 25 ± 2°C. The results demonstrated a direct relationship between extract concentration and larval mortality. While low concentrations (0.5-1.5%) showed little or no effect, higher concentrations (10-25%) significantly increased larval mortality, reaching 100% at 25% within 24 hours. These results confirm the effectiveness of aqueous Aloe vera extract in killing larvae, demonstrating its time- and dose-dependent efficacy. In conclusion, Aloe vera extract represents a good and environmentally safer alternative to chemical pesticides used in local markets for mosquito control, as it provides a biodegradable and non-toxic alternative, reducing reliance on chemical insecticides. Further studies on its active phytochemical components and mode of action are recommended to support its potential use in integrated vector management programs