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International Journal of
Entomology Research
ARCHIVES
VOL. 10, ISSUE 7 (2025)
Eco-friendly control of mosquito vectors using Cajanus Cajan peel extracts
Authors
Edel Queen Z, Prabhu K
Abstract

Cajanus cajan, commonly known as pigeon pea, is a widely cultivated monocotyledonous perennial plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. In India, it is primarily grown for its seeds, known as toor dal, which are extensively used in culinary and industrial applications. The processing of C. cajan generates substantial amounts of peel residues, which, if unutilized, contribute significantly to environmental pollution. In this study, an eco-friendly approach was employed to valorize these agricultural waste peels by extracting their bioactive metabolites using four different solvents: aqueous, chloroform, hexane, and methanol. The larvicidal efficacy of the solvent extracts was evaluated against fourth instar larvae of three major mosquito vectors—Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus.

All extracts exhibited varying degrees of larvicidal activity, with methanol and chloroform extracts showing the highest potency. Phytochemical screening, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and carbohydrates, which are likely responsible for the observed mosquitocidal effects. The findings suggest that Cajanus cajan peel extracts, particularly from methanol and chloroform fractions, have significant potential as natural larvicides. This study supports the development of sustainable, plant-based mosquito control strategies and highlights the potential of agro-waste utilization in vector management programs. Future work will focus on isolating and characterizing the specific phytochemicals responsible for larvicidal activity and elucidating their mechanisms of action.
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Pages:48-53
How to cite this article:
Edel Queen Z, Prabhu K "Eco-friendly control of mosquito vectors using <i>Cajanus Cajan</i> peel extracts". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 7, 2025, Pages 48-53
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