The control of vector-borne diseases with pesticides is becoming a real challenge due to rapid development of insecticide resistance. The study aimed to find out the efficacy of phytochemical compounds found in perennial aromatic trees (Araucaria (A.) heterophylla, Eucalyptus (E.) camaldulensis, and Pinus (P.) halepensis) or herbs (Cyperus (C.) rotundus, Mentha (M.) arvensis, and Rosmarinus (R.) officinalis) as natural insecticides against Culex (Cx.) pipiens and Hyalomma (H.) dromedarii. Methanol and hexane plant leaves and resin oils were extracted by Soxhlet extraction methods, separately. These compounds are specialized metabolites that are synthesized in environments with high or low pressure, depending on growing conditions and plant type. Data showed that the aromatic perennial tree, A. heterophylla (100%MO, LC50 = 90.47 ppm), and the herb R. officinalis (100%MO, LC50 = 110.56 ppm), are having activity against Cx. pipiens, while we found that Aleppo pine, P. halepensis (100%MO, LC50 = 1.95 mg/mL), and the herb M. arvensis (100%MO, LC50 = 2.25 mg/mL) were among the best essential oils against ticks, H. dromedarii, 24 hours post-treatment. The results confirmed that the diversity of phytochemicals found in aromatic perennial trees and herbs, such as sesquiterpene (á-ylangene, 23.26%), monoterpene (Eucalyptol, 22.15%), fatty acid (Linoleic acid, 19.54%), sesquiterpene (α-cyperone, 21.12%), phenol (Menthyl acetate, 15.14%), flavonoids (Bornyl acetate, 8.18%), and other active biological phytochemical compounds. The current findings indicated that aromatic pine trees essential oils, methanol extract in general, and hexane extract were the best at controlling pests and distinctive in containing phytochemicals. |
