SYNERGISTIC LARVICIDAL ACTION OF INDIGENOUS PLANT EXTRACTS IN COMBINATION AGAINST AEDES AEGYPTI (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

Abstract

The most effective methods for addressing the problems of insecticide resistance and environmental pollution are expected to be phytochemicals. The current study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of metabolites from three indigenous plants in combination (Argemone mexicana, Tinospora cordifolia, and Prunus persica) in controlling Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. The leaf and seed of Argemone mexicana, Prunus persica, and the leaf of Tinospora cordifolia and two solvents (ethanol and petroleum ether) making a total 7 combination groups (A to G) were used in bioassay to determine LC50 and LC90 values. Combination group- A (ethanolic + ethanolic extracts of seed of Prunus persica and Argemone mexicana) LC50 and LC90 values of 70.79 and 169.59 ppm after 24 h post-exposure. Similarly, other combination groups- B, C, D, E, F, and G with LC50 values of 58.88, 74.13, 81.28, 89.12, 61.65, and 57.54 ppm, respectively, and LC90 values of 147.91, 173.78, 229.08, 269.15, 162.18, and 151.35 ppm, respectively, within 24 h. In combination, against the third instar larvae, all the treatments were shown great larvicidal potential (P<0.05). The regression equation showed a dose-dependent mortality, the mortality rate was positively correlated with the concentration. Results showed plant metabolites can be used in combination as eco-friendly insecticides for the control of dengue vectors.