High larvicidal efficacy of yeast-encapsulated orange oil against Aedes aegypti strains from Brazil

BackgroundBotanical substances such as essential oils (EOs) have demonstrated insecticidal properties and are a valid option for vector control. However, free EOs are unreliable as mosquito larvicides due their easy degradation by environmental exposure to ultraviolet light and higher temperatures. Here, we assessed the efficacy of a mosquito larvicide based on orange oil in a yeast-based delivery system against Aedes aegypti strains with different resistance status towards chemical neurotoxic insecticides. This larvicide preparation was physicochemically characterized in a previous report.MethodsLarvae of four Ae. aegypti strains from different regions of Brazil and different resistance profiles for deltamethrin (pyrethroid) and temephos (organophosphate) were tested against yeast-encapsulated orange oil (YEOO) in laboratory conditions for measurement of LC50 and LC90 values. The same assays were performed with the Belo Horizonte strain under environmental conditions (natural light and temperature). The resistance profiles of these strains were compared to the Rockefeller reference strain in all conditions.ResultsYEOO was found to be a highly active larvicide (LC50<50 mg/L) against all Ae. aegypti strains tested in both laboratory conditions (LC=8.1-24.7 mg/L) and environmental conditions with natural light and temperature fluctuation (LC50=20.0-49.9 mg/L). Moreover, all strains were considered susceptible (RR<5) to YEOO, considering resistance ratios calculated based on the Rockefeller strain. The resistance ratios were only higher than 2.5 for LC of Belo Horizonte in the laboratory, probably due the higher heterogeneity associated with older egg papers (>5 months).ConclusionYEOO demonstrates high larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti strains with resistant phenotypes for deltamethrin (PY) and temephos (OP). This larvicidal activity suggests the potential for the development of YEOO as an alternative intervention to synthetic insecticides in integrated vector management programs, for populations with resistance to commonly used insecticides.

Automated summary

The study assessed the efficacy of an orange oil-based larvicide against Ae. aegypti strains with different resistance statuses and found it to be highly active in both laboratory and environmental conditions. This suggests the potential for developing orange oil as an alternative intervention for populations with resistance to common insecticides.