The use of synthetic insecticides to limit the spread of mosquito-borne disease faces a number of significant challenges, including insecticide resistance, concerns related to the environmental impact of widespread insecticide use, as well as slowed development of new insecticide chemistries. One important alternative to broadcast insecticides is the use of personal protection strategies to limit contact with vector species, including the use of spatial repellents that can employ synthetic pyrethroids or botanical products to effect control. A currently underexplored area of research involves the investigation of botanical products for their potential to serve as insecticide synergists when delivered as a vapor. This presentation will describe the development and implementation of an assay that facilitates the screening of essential oils delivered as a vapor for enhancement of deltamethrin efficacy in both pyrethroid-susceptible and –resistant strains of the vector mosquito species Aedes aegypti. Using this method, deltamethrin efficacy was significantly increased following exposure to vapors of cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), tagetes (Tagetes bipinnata), and sage (Salvia officinalis) oils, while efficacy was significantly decreased following exposure to amyris (Amyris balsamifera) oil vapor. Biochemical assays suggest that these effects may be mediated by changes in cytochrome P450 activity. This work demonstrates that some plant-derived essential oils delivered as a vapor are capable of increasing the efficacy of deltamethrin similar to classical synergists such as piperonyl butoxide, offering a possible alternative approach for the enhancement of insecticide efficacy using natural products.

Vapor delivery of plant essential oils alters pyrethroid efficacy and detoxification enzyme activity in mosquitoes

2019 Fall National Meeting

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