Lethality and vitality efficiency of different extracts of Salix safsaf leaves against the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)

In the current study, insecticidal activity, growth regulation, adult performance and repellency of petroleum ether, methanol, chloroform and ethanol extracts of Salix safsaf leaves were tested against third instar larvae of the housefly, Musca domestica. Different concentrations were applied through larval feeding to further investigate different biological aspects. Obtained data revealed that mortality percentages among the third instar larvae and pupal stage increased with increasing concentration. Moreover, larval and pupal duration was remarkably lengthened in a concentration-dependent manner vs the control. Furthermore, pupation and adult emergence percentages were inversely decreased with applied concentrations. The LC50 and LC90 values may be arranged as follows: petroleum ether (467.714 and 793.348 ppm), methanol (423.22 and 710.18 ppm), chloroform(533.55 and 942.88 ppm) and ethanol (384.90 and 712.33 ppm), respectively, compared with synthetic insecticide deltamethrin as a positive control that showed an LC50 value of 0.889 ppm and LC90 of 1.367 ppm. Overall, the toxic effects of methanol and ethanol extracts of S. safsaf could compete with the synthetic insecticide deltamethrin as a natural insecticide in the control. Different tested extracts affected the adult longevity, pre-maturation period, maturation period and post-maturation period in a delayed manner. Tested extracts exhibited potent repellency action that reached about 67.0 % for petroleum ether and 87.3 % for ethanol extract at a concentration of 800 ppm. Generally, S. safsaf leaf extracts may be considered as a potent candidate for housefly control and could be exploited as a component of integrated vector control strategies that may help in developing future safe and cheap insecticides of natural origin.

Automated summary

The study tested the insecticidal activity, growth regulation, and repellency of Salix safsaf leaf extracts against housefly larvae, showing increased effects with higher concentrations. The extracts exhibited potential insecticidal effects that could compete with synthetic pesticides.