Evaluation of larvicidal efficacy of Diospyros montana leaf extract on Aedes albopictus

Abstract

In tropical and subtropical countries, mosquitoes play vital role as vectors of numerous dangerous diseases, such as dengue, yellow fever, filariasis, malaria, and zika, among others. Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito can transmit the viruses of several life threatening diseases including, dengue, yellow fever, and zika. The present study aimed at assessment of the larvicidal activity of the crude extract of Diospyros montana leaves against Ae. Albopictus, and identification of the plant compound and functional groups responsible for larvicidal efficacy via FT-IR and different phytochemical analysis. Effect on the non-target organisms was also evaluated. However, more than 80% larval mortality is observed after 72 hours of exposure in all instars. After 72 hours of exposure, the LC50 caused moderate mortality of 12% and 8% against Chironomus circumdatus and Toxorhynchites splendens respectively. Numerous secondary metabolites, including terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, coumarins were present in the crude extract of D. Montana. This is the first study to examine the efficacy of D. Montana leaf extract as a larvicidal agent against Ae. albopictus through determination of its secondary metabolites.