ARCHIVES
VOL. 9, ISSUE 9 (2024)
Insecticidal activity of crude extracts from Pongamia pinnata (L.) against Aedes aegypti (L.) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say)
Authors
Sumathi G, Pushpanathan T, Selvaraj P
Abstract
Insects like mosquitoes, head lice, ticks, and mites, influenced by
human activity, transmit several life-threatening diseases to humans and
animals, including malaria, dengue, filariasis, and the Zika virus. The use of
synthetic chemicals for control can cause illnesses in humans, animals,
non-target organisms, and disrupt natural ecosystems. The larvicidal activity
of methanolic extract of Pongamia pinnata (Fabaceae) against two
blood-sucking insects (Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus)
was investigated. Phytochemical analysis was performed using UV-Vis
spectroscopy to identify and quantify compounds based on their light absorption
characteristics, FT-IR spectroscopy to determine functional groups by analyzing
infrared light absorption, and GC-MS to separate, identify, and quantify
volatile and semi-volatile compounds based on their mass and fragmentation
patterns. The crude extract of Pongamia pinnata revealed the presence of
alkaloids, phenols, tannins, and saponins in the methanol extracts. GC-MS
analysis identified isoborneol (14.19%), phloroglucinol (27.44%), and hydantoin
(34.54%) as key chemical constituents responsible for insecticidal activity,
which aligns with previous research findings. FT-IR analysis revealed
vibrations such as stretching, wagging, and bending related to
oxygen-containing bonds, as well as the presence of functional groups including
alcohols, phenols, carboxylic acids, and alkynes. Our results showed the
highest larval mortality in Cx. quinquefasciatus (LC50 =
75.64 ppm) compared to Ae. Aegypti (LC50 = 101.36 ppm) after
24 hours. For pupicidal activity, the LC50 values were 134.56 mg/L
and 185.59 mg/L for Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. Aegypti,
respectively. The study proves that the chemicals in P. pinnata extracts
can kill insects well. This suggests that these plant compounds could be used
instead of synthetic insecticides.
Download
Pages:112-117
How to cite this article:
Sumathi G, Pushpanathan T, Selvaraj P "Insecticidal activity of crude extracts from <i>Pongamia pinnata</i> (L.) against <i>Aedes aegypti</i> (L.) and <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> (Say)". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 9, Issue 9, 2024, Pages 112-117
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.