Simple Summary
The present study examined whether extracts of hemp leaves were toxic to Aedes aegypti larvae and determined which compound(s) were responsible for the toxicity. We found that larvae, from both insecticide-resistant and -susceptible strains were killed by hemp leaf extract within 48 h of exposure. Furthermore, we found that an abundant cannabinoid (cannabidiol) within the extract was the primary active compound. This study suggests that hemp extracts and cannabidiol are potentially valuable sources for developing biopesticides to control mosquitoes.
Abstract
To mitigate pyrethroid resistance in mosquito vectors of emerging and re-emerging human pathogens, there is an urgent need to discover insecticides with novel modes of action. Natural alternatives, such as extracts derived from plants, may serve as substitutes for traditional synthetic insecticides if they prove to be sustainable, cost-effective, and safe for non-target organisms. Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a sustainable plant known to produce various secondary metabolites with insecticidal properties, including terpenoids and flavonoids.
1. Introduction
Mosquitoes are considered the most dangerous animals on Earth because they are vectors of numerous pathogens that cause deadly and debilitating diseases in humans and domestic animals, including malaria, West Nile virus, and heartworm . The yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti is a vector of several arboviruses of medical importance, including chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika.