Larvicidal Activity Of Leaves Extracts Of Lemon Grass On Mosquito Larvae

Abstract

Mosquitoes are the major vector for the transmission of malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, filariasis, schistosomiasis and Japanese encephalitis (JE). In India, malaria is one of the most important causes of direct or indirect infant, child and adult mortality with approximately two to three million new cases arising every year. The traditional chemical pesticides used to control mosquito have many drawbacks, and natural products are more acceptable in this aspect. The bio-efficacy of Lemon grass aqueous and ethanolic leaves extracts was assessed against the fourth instars larvae of Aedes aegypti, under the laboratory conditions. Thereafter, the phytochemical profiles and the cellular toxicity of the extracts were evaluated. Both extracts shows larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti Larvae. Ethanolic extract showed better effects as compared to aqueous extract. Overall, our findings indicate that the plant, Lemon grass, may prove to be highly promising alternatives as bioinsecticides. This is an eco-friendly and low-cost approach, may use to control Aedes aegypti.