Chemical Composition and Larvicidal Activity of Azadiractha Indica Seed Oil Against Dengue Vector Aedes Aegypti (L) (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the larvicidal activity of neem seed oil (Azadirachta indica) against the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). A number of diseases are mostly spread by mosquitoes which result a major threat. Many mosquito control strategies are adopted by which the population of mosquito is minimized. Excessive use of insecticides causes ill effects to exact mosquitoes. Since phytochemicals are suggested to control mosquitoes. They are bio-safe and eco-friendly the mosquitoes. Phytochemicals suggest bio-safe and eco-friendly options to control the disease. Eight main bioactive components were identified in the neem seed oil by GC-MS analysis, although at different amounts. Absorption spectra were used to determine the prominent peak's wave number, intensities, and vibrational assignments. Numerous functional groups were found, including alkane, carboxylic acid, alcohol, ester, phenol, and nitro compounds. Mortality was recorded 24 hours post-treatment with five different concentrations of neem seed oil (250, 200, 150, 100, and 50 ppm). A significant increase in larval mortality was observed with increased concentrations, reaching a median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of 57.59 ppm and (LC₉₀) of 136.74 ppm. These findings imply that safe oil and its components have promising effects as larvicides for mosquito vector control. Therefore, this oil can be used as an effective controlling agent against A. aegypti.