Question

Phytochemical profiling and larvicidal potential of common grass pennisetum polystachion

Answer 1

Mosquitoes are vectors for many diseases, causing millions of death every year throughout the world. This necessitates the implementation of new methods to control and prevent mosquito-borne diseases and to improve public health. The use of biopesticides have increased because of their high insecticidal properties and eco-friendly nature. The aim of present study was to evaluate the larvicidal potential of the whole plant extracts of a common grass, Pennisetum polystachion against fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus and their larval mortality was recorded after 24 hrs of exposure. The preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various phytocompounds such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, and steroids etc. The ethanol extract ofP. Polystachion showed potent larvicidal activity against all the three mosquito larvae, when compared to other extracts. TLC and GC-GC-MS analysis of the ethanol extract of P. polystachion revealed the presence of phytocompounds with insecticidal properties.