Toxicological attributes of plant chemicals and their biochemical impacts on cholinesterase and protein levels in relation with conventional insecticides against mosquito larvae of Karachi city

Abstract

In order to control mosquito, different chemicals were applied against the larvae of Culex fatigans (Diptera Culicidae). The tested chemicals were Lambda cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos, Azadirachta indica (Spindales meliaceae) neem extract, and Sueda monoica extract. All chemicals were found to have significant efficacy against Culex fatigans mosquito larvae. In terms of efficacy, the biochemical effects after treatment with such chemicals were found to vary. Total protein levels and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were the parameters examined. Chlorpyrifos, Lambda cyhalothrin, and neem elevated AChE activity levels whereas the plant extract S. monoica decreased enzymic activity. Total protein levels were decreased by Lambda cyhalothrin and chlorpyrifos whereas protein was increased by neem extract and S. monoica.

Keywords:

• Sueda monoica
• Azadirachta indica
• cholinesterase
• culex fatigans

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support from the DFS project 2008, University of Karachi.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.