Mosquito Larvicidal Efficacy of Storax ( liquidambar orientalis ) against Aedes aegypti L. Larvae

Control programs using conventional insecticides to target anthropogenic mosquito habitats are very expensive because these habitats are widespread. Additionally, there are serious environmental concerns regarding large-scale application of most conventional insecticides. Clearly there is a need for alternative methods that are more effective, less expensive, and environmentally friendly. One such method would be the application of preparations made from parts of the tree Liquidambar orientalis. In this study standard WHO bioassay tests with slight modification were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the storax against Aedes egypti larvae in the laboratory. Five different concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm were tested. Storax at these mentioned concentration produced 16, 44, 75, 91, 99% larval mortality. Probit analysis revealed LC₅₀, LC₉₀ 194.93 ppm and 397.33 ppm respectively. Present study indicates that storax carry huge potential as a mosquito larvicide. This potential could be exploited for the development of safer insecticides.