Ovicidal and larvicidal activities of Cyperus giganteus Vahl and Cyperus rotundus Linn. essential oils against Aedes albopictus (Skuse)

Abstract

The ovicidal and larvicidal efficacy of essential oils extracted from the tubers of Cyperus giganteus Vahl and Cyperus rotundus Linn. was studied on eggs and fourth instar larvae of Aedes albopictus (Skuse). The eggs and larvae were exposed to serial concentration of the oils ranging from 5-150 ppm and kept under observation for 24 h. Both the oils showed remarkable ovicidal and larvicidal activities indicated by EC 50 values of <5 ppm and LC 50 and LC 90 values of <20 ppm. The results obtained suggest that the essential oils of these Cyperus species can serve as a potential source of natural mosquitocidal agents.