Larvicidal, biological, and histopathological alterations induced by pomegranate peel extract, punica granatum against culex pipiens l. (diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

The insecticidal efficacy of agricultural waste pomegranate peel extract was determined according to the world health organization (WHO) against the Culex pipiens 3rd instar larvae. The mortality percentage of the treated larvae was the first indicator to evaluate the inhibition effect of the pomegranate peel extract. The median lethal concentrations (LC50) were (95.63, 62.55, 54.47 and 44.35) ppm at different times post-treatment (24, 48, 72, 96 hours), respectively. The tested extract showed repellent against Culex pipiens females. Phytochemical screening was carried out to detect the effective chemical groups in the tested extract then the extract was analyzed by GC-MS and HPLC. The used extract caused a reduction in some biological aspects of Culex pipiens. Several forms of morphological malformations were detected and many aberrations have been induced. The activities of enzymes, as well as total proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids of Culex pipiens larvae, were significantly reduced compared to the untreated. Electrophoretic analysis of protein revealed inhibitory action of the tested extract on the protein contents and fraction patterns. Ultrastructure studies showed a drastic effect on some larval tissues in response to the pomegranate peel petroleum ether extract.