Insecticidal and juvenilizing activity tests of Euphorbia tirucalli Latex on Aedes aegypti Larvae. Micropropagation and new potential for biological activity

Abstract

Euphorbia tirucalli is a succulent species used for various applications, including vector control of mosquitoes in Africa and Asia. This study analyzed the insecticidal and juvenilizing effects of the aqueous fraction of latex obtained from explants micropropagated with 6-Benzylaminopurin (6-BA) and Norbixin, under different light fluences. Latex was extracted by ultrasonic methods and tested on Aedes aegypti larvae development. No insecticidal or juvenilizing activity was observed. New experiments will be conducted with variations in red light exposure time and higher concentrations of extracts, due to the high prevalence of dengue in Rio de Janeiro.