Efficacy of Canarium ovatum (Pili Tree) Pulp Fixed Oil Extract as a Natural-Based Larvicide Against Aedes aegypti

• Main Authors: Dela Cruz, Roebin Jilliana R., Eledia, Gene Vincent G., Lijuaco, Bianca Heleina C., Marasigan, Shaina Alyssa V., Tabi, Fiona Marithe M.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2023
• Subjects: Canarium ovatum, Pili pulp oil, Aedes aegypti, larvicide, lethal concentration
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2023/poster_fnh/5; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/conf_shsrescon/article/1780/viewcontent/PP_FNH_DELA_CRUZ_ELEDIA_LIJAUCO_MARASIGAN_TABI___Vincent_Eledia.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of the endemic Dengue Fever (DENV) has always been a vector of concern in the Philippines due to its infectivity and known resistance against major commercial insecticide compositions. This challenge requires an effective natural-based alternative, specifically the Canarium ovatum (Pili) exocarp, an unexplored biowaste that exhibits strong larvicidal potentials for its phytochemical and bioactive compositions. This research sought to determine the efficacy of C. ovatum pulp oil extract as a natural larvicide against A. aegypti. Five (5) different C. ovatum pulp oil concentrations in triplicates were tested against the positive control (Temephos) in the mortality assay through a modified application of the World Health Organization Guidelines. The results showed that the C. ovatum pulp oil exhibited positive dose- and time-dependent larvicidal potency against A. aegypti. Furthermore, the results indicate a similarity between the larval mortality induced by the C. ovatum pulp oil at 800µg/mL and 400 µg/mL in comparison to temephos, a commercial grade larvicide. The Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50) and Lethal Concentration 90 (LC90) were found at 287.869 ppm and 639.473 ppm, respectively. The results of the study concluded that the C. ovatum pulp oil is as significantly effective against A. aegypti larvae and an effective natural alternative to the commercially used larvicide. As such, the findings of this study address the known chemical-insecticide resistance among A. aegypti larvae and the mass biowaste product generated by the Pili industry.