Oviposition Deterrent Activity of Some Volatile Oils against the Filaria Mosquito Vector Culex pipiens

Abstract

The oviposition deterrent activity of four essential oils derived from chamomile (Matricaria recutita), sesame (Sesamum indicum), jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) and ginger (Zingiber officinalis), were evaluated against the gravid females of the filaria vector Culex pipiens under laboratory conditions. They were assayed at three doses (0.5, 5 and 50 ppm) where plastic CURS containing 1 mL of desired oil concentration and 99 mL of distilled water were used as oviposition substrate. Results indicated that all these oils exhibited potent deterrent activity against gravid female mosquitoes with various degrees of repellency (ranging from 48.73-100%) depending on both plant species and applied dose from each plant. Likewise, Oviposition Activity Indexes (OAI) of such oils were all negative values ranged from -0.17 to -1.28 Although, present results suggesting that these oils are potential source of valuable mosquitoes oviposition deterrents, further detailed research is required for isolating and identifying their active compounds as well as other factors influencing their capacity.