Essential oil composition and larvicidal activity of six Mediterranean aromatic plants against the mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

Laboratory bioassays on insecticidal activity of essential oils (EOs) extracted from six Mediterranean plants (Achillea millefolium, Lavandula angustifolia, Helichrysum italicum, Foeniculum vulgare, Myrtus communis, and Rosmarinus officinalis) were carried out against the larvae of the Culicidae mosquito Aedes albopictus. The chemical composition of the six EOs was also investigated. Results from applications showed that all tested oils had insecticidal activity, with differences in mortality rates as a function of both oil and dosage. At the highest dosage (300 ppm), EOs from H. italicum, A. millefolium, and F. vulgare caused higher mortality than the other three oils, with mortality rates ranging from 98.3% to 100%. M. communis EO induced only 36.7% larval mortality at the highest dosage (300 ppm), a similar value to those recorded at the same dosage by using R. officinalis and L. angustifolia (51.7% and 55%, respectively). Identified compounds ranged from 91% to 99%. The analyzed EOs had higher content of monoterpenoids (80-99%) than sesquiterpenes (1-15%), and they can be categorized into three groups on the basis of their composition. Few EOs showed the hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes, and these volatile compounds were generally predominant in comparison with the oxygenated forms, which were detected in lower quantities only in H. italicum (1.80%) and in M. communis (1%).

Screening of yarrow (Achillea millefolium Agg.) populations in Serbia for yield components and essential oil composition

“…The high amount of 1,8-cineole (34.2%) has been reported A. eriophora (Weyerstahl et al, 1997). The high amount of sabinene, as we found in our populations 36, 38 and 39 (19.3-35.7%), has been also previously reported (Verma et al, 2017;Nadim et al, 2011;Conti et al, 2010;Boskovic et al, 2005). Serbian populations were lower in sabinene content, while introduced populations (Hohenheimer Gärten and commercial variety ProA) had very high content.…”

Isolation and efficacy of entomopathogenic fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae) for the control of Aedes albopictus Skuse larvae: suspected dengue vector in Pakistan

“…albopictus larvae as immature stage of the vectors which is the most perfect stage for the bio-control agents [21,22] , it is also reported to be resistant to all groups of chemicals which are extensively used in the Agriculture Sector of Pakistan [23] .…”

Chemical composition of the essential oils and extracts of Achillea species and their biological activities: A review

“…albopictus (Conti et al, 2010). The insecticidal activities of the tested oils showed differences in mortality rates as a function of both oil and dosage.…”