Assessment of efficacy of Diospyros kaki fruit extracts against dengue vector Aedes albopictus

Abstract

The best method for preventing mosquito-borne diseases is to reduce the mosquito population. The goal of the current study was to assess larvicidal efficacy of fruit extract of Diospyros kaki against Aedes albopictus larvae and to the non-target organisms. Bioassays were performed with crude and acetone solvent extracts on Ae. Albopictus larvae. Additionally, studies on the composition of phytochemicals were conducted. Through the use of Log-probit, regression, and ANOVA analyses, statistical explanations were derived. Both the crude and the acetone extract significantly reduced mosquito larvae. At 350 ppm concentration, 100% death of the 1 st and 2 nd instar larvae was observed after 72 hours. Tannins, steroids, alkaloid, and flavonoids were present in fruits as secondary metabolites. Both the extract had no effect on a non-target organism. The fruits of Diospyros kaki have the capacity to target-specifically regulate Ae. Albopictus larvae.