Mosquito larvicidal efficacy of β-isocostic acid formulation against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus
摘要
The widespread use of synthetic insecticides has led to environmental concerns and the development of resistance in mosquito populations, prompting the need for alternative control strategies. This study explores the mosquito larvicidal efficacy of a β-isocostic acid-based formulation against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. β-isocostic acid, isolated from the leaves of Sphaeranthus indicus using hexane extraction, was prepared in a mineral oil formulation and tested in laboratory conditions at varying concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 ppm). The study evaluated lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) and the effects of the formulation on non-target organisms, Diplonychus indicus and Gambusia affinis. Results demonstrated significant larvicidal activity, with LC50 values of 0.90 ppm for Ae. aegypti and 0.81 ppm for Cx. quinquefasciatus. For comparison, an azadirachtin-based formulation showed LC50 values of 0.46 ppm and 0.33 ppm, respectively. Additionally, the β-isocostic acid formulation had no adverse impact on non-target organisms at 1 ppm, suggesting it could be integrated into mosquito control programs without harming natural predators. These findings indicate that β-isocostic acid-based formulations have substantial potential for eco-friendly mosquito control, especially for larvae of vector species. The study underscores the importance of botanical insecticides as sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides in Integrated Mosquito Management strategies.