Larvicidal efficacy of Martynia annua plant extract against major Culicinae vectors in the Greater Hyderabad region of Telangana state

Abstract

The impact of mosquito-borne diseases extends beyond just health concerns, affecting the overall well-being and economic stability of communities, particularly in developing nations such as India. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of controlling mosquito populations as a more effective approach compared to relying solely on pharmaceutical interventions. With the rising costs and increasing resistance to traditional drugs, researchers are exploring innovative solutions to combat mosquito-borne illnesses, with plant-based mosquitocides emerging as a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides. This implies that Martynia annua could serve as a viable natural larvicide against four disease-carrying mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Cx. gelidus), offering a promising solution for disease prevention in humans. The study findings revealed that Martynia annua plant extract exhibited larvicidal properties, showing LC50 values of 82.31, 127.24, 126.48, and 37.34 μg/mL, and the LC90 values were 203.61, 270.01, 312.59, and 99.67 μg/mL for the tested mosquito species. Additional testing is necessary to determine the causes of larval mortality at a molecular level, despite the positive outcomes observed in laboratory experiments. Furthermore, extensive field investigations are essential to gain a deeper understanding of the toxic effects of plant extract on a larger scale.