American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products

AUTHOR(S): Chinedu Obi, Amara Nwosu and Ngozi Okafor

ABSTRACT:Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus pose significant global health threats, with Aedes aegypti serving as the primary vector. The reliance on synthetic chemical insecticides for mosquito control has led to increasing resistance and adverse environmental effects. This study investigates the synergistic effects of essential oil blends in enhancing insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti and proposes an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides. Essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) were tested individually and in binary and ternary blends for their efficacy in laboratory-controlled conditions. The mortality rates and knockdown times of mosquitoes exposed to these oils were compared to a standard synthetic insecticide, permethrin. The results revealed that the binary blend of lemongrass and tea tree oils demonstrated the highest mortality (86%) at 48 hours, significantly surpassing the individual oils (72% and 68%, respectively). The ternary blend, which included eucalyptus oil, showed moderate enhancement (80%). Knockdown times were faster in the essential oil blends compared to individual oils, with the binary blend providing the quickest knockdown time (18 minutes). These findings suggest that essential oil blends can be a potent and sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides, offering reduced ecological risks and potentially delaying the onset of resistance. Furthermore, the study hypothesizes that the synergistic effects are likely due to interference with the mosquito’s nervous system and inhibition of detoxification enzymes. This research highlights the potential of essential oil blends in integrated mosquito control programs, promoting eco-friendly pest management strategies.

Pages: 37-42  |  84 Views  16 Downloads