Larvicidal Activity of Menthe longifolia (Lamiaceae) Different Extracts against Culex pipiens L. and Culex antennatus Becker (Diptera: Culicidae)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Larvicidal activity of Menthe longifolia different extracts against lymphatic filariasis vector, Culex pipiens and Rift Valley Fever vector, C. antennatuswas tested. The extraction was carried out using methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether solvents. Obtained results revealed that petroleum ether extraction from leaves of M. longifolia was more effective against 3rd instar larvae of C. pipiens and C. antennatus than those of chloroform, acetone and methanol extractions. Methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts from leaves of M. longifolia recorded LC50 values of 1741.5, 1322.0, 702.4 and 379.5 ppm against C. pipiens third larval instar and 1064.6, 850.3, 459.9 and 250.4 ppm against C. antennatusthird larval instar, respectively. In addition, LC90 values recorded 2282.0, 1897.7, 1300.3 and 511.9 ppm by methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extract from leaves of M. longifolia against C. pipiens third larval instar and 1596.5, 1388.6, 979.4 and 388.2 ppm against C. antennatusthird larval instar, respectively.  Also, both C. pipiens and C. antennatus larval and pupal periods were prolonged by all tested extracts at all concentrations used as compared with the untreated groups. Menthe longifolia tested extracts are considered as new promising controlling agents against C. pipiens and C. antennatus, however, more studies are necessary to reach the active ingredient in the tested extracts.  

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