Chemical composition and larvicidal activity of Moroccan Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica Manetti) against Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) -

The aim of this research was to determine the larvicidal activity of essential oil of Cedrus atlantica Manetti from Moroccan Middle Atlas against Culex pipiens, one of the most widely distributed mosquitoes in the world. The essential oil was obtained from aerial part of plant by hydrodistillation. The biological test was performed using a methodology inspired the WHO standard protocol. The percent yield of the essential oil of Cedrus atlantica Manetti was 1.12±0.2%. The GC/MS analysis of essential oil from Cedrus atlantica Manetti revealed the presence of twenty five (25) compounds, representing 97.48 % of the total composition. The major group of compounds, the main one being α-himachalene (35.34%) followed by β-himachalene (13.62%), γ-himachalene (12.6%), cedrol (10.32%), isocedranol (5.52%) and α-pinene (5.5%). The Lethal Concentrations LC50 and LC90 measured for the Moroccan Cedrus atlantica Manetti essential oil appears to be effective with respective values of 782.43 ppm and 1253.93 ppm and the minimum levels necessary to achieve 100% larval mortality of Culex pipiens was valued at 1500 ppm. The larvicidal activity of essential oil of Cedrus atlantica against Culex pipiens, has not been studied previously in Morocco, may prove helpful in developing effective and ecofriendly larvicides, as favorable alternatives for the management of mosquitoes.