Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the larvicidal potential of the ethanol leaf extracts of chinus Molle and the synthesized silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) against the fourth-life larvae of Aedes aegypti mosquito, the dengue vector in Saudi Arabia. A series of different concentrations was tested. The effective concentrations of crude extract and AgNPs ranged from 100 to 500 and 10 to 30 ppm respectively and the death percentages corresponding to these concentrations ranged from 21 to 91 and 15 to 96% respectively.
According to the LC50 values of treated larvae, AgNPs (13.894 ppm) are more effective against A. aegypti mosquito larvae than the crude extract (228.345 ppm) at about 16.4 times. The mixing of the plant extract with the silver nitrate has led to potentiation. This is due to the synergy that occurs between the extract and the silver particles during the reduction process. The compounds in the extract are related to the surface of the particles, increasing the strength of their effects. It is recommended to separate the active elements in the Schinus Molle plant and its preparation in the form of nanoparticles as a promising compound in mosquito control programs.