Curcumin/d‐mannitol as photolarvicide: induced delay in larval development time, changes in sex ratio and reduced longevity of Aedes aegypti

BACKGROUND Resistant populations of Ae. aegypti have been a major problem in arboviruses epidemic areas, generating a strong demand for novel methods of vector control. In this regard, our group has demonstrated the use of curcumin as an efficient photoactive larvicide to eliminate Ae. aegypti larvae. This work was aimed to evaluate the Ae. aegypti (Rockefeller) development under sublethal conditions, using a curcumin/d‐mannitol (DMC) formulation. The photolarvicidal efficacy under semi‐field and field conditions (wild populations) was also analyzed, as well as the photobleaching and residual activity of DMC. RESULTS A delay in development time when larvae were exposed to sublethal concentrations of DMC was observed, followed by significant changes in sex ratio and reduction in longevity. DMC also presented a low residual activity when compared to usual larvicides, and had a substantial photolarvicidal activity against wild populations in field trials, achieving 71.3% mortality after 48 h. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings are of great biological importance for the process of enabling the implementation of DMC as a new product in the control of Ae. aegypti larvae, and contributes to the improvement of new plant‐based larvicides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry This study shows that curcumin/d‐mannitol formulation as a photolarvicide resulted in impaired development of Aedes aegypti larvae, and presented good reduction of wild populations in field trials.