Insecticidal activity of Net of Cashew Nut on Aedes aegypti larvae (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

To control the Dengue Fever epidemic it is necessary to eliminate the breeding of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, which transmits the virus, and to spray insecticides. The research seeks to evaluate new substances from native plants which are capable of controlling disease vectors, with less toxicity to humans and the environmental. The Net of Cashew Nut (LCC) of Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae) is mostly composed of anacardic acid in varying concentrations. This product has shown promise in laboratory experiments demonstrating it contains biocidal active substances. The aim is to evaluate the insecticidal potential of the LCC, fresh (kept in environmental conditions) and after chilling for six months at 4 ºC, on larvae of A. aegypti, as well as to determine their chemical constitution. The anacardic acid fresh or chilled shows the same toxicity profile while maintaining its strength and use in 0.013% to cause larval mortality. The LCC has tested 69% of Anacardic acid.