Larvicidal activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using bark aqueous extract of Ficus racemosa against Culex quinquefasciatus andCulex gelidus

Objective:To investigate the larvicidal activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing aqueous bark extract ofFicus racemosa (F. racemosa) was tested against fourth instar larvae of filariasis vector,Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus) and japanese encephalitis vectors,Culex gelidus (Cx. gelidus).Methods:The synthesizedAgNPs was characterized byUV-vis spectrum,X-ray diffraction (XRD),Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) andFourier transform infrared (FTIR).The larvicidal activities were assessed for24 h against the larvae ofCx. quinquefasciatus andCx. gelidus with varying concentrations of aqueous bark extract ofF. racemosa and synthesizedAgNPs.LC50 andr2 values were calculated.Results:The maximum efficacy was observed in crude aqueous extract ofF. racemosa against the larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus andCx. gelidus (LC50=67.72 and63.70 mg/L;r2=0.995 and0.985) and the synthesizedAgNPs (LC50=12.00 and11.21 mg/L;r2=0.997 and0.990), respectively.SynthesizedAg NPs showed theXRD peaks at2θ values of27.61,29.60,35.48,43.48 and79.68were identified as (210), (121), (220), (200) and (311) reflections, respectively.TheFTIR spectra ofAgNPs exhibited prominent peaks at3425,2878,1627 and1382 in the region500-3000 cm-1.The peaks correspond to the presence of a stretching vibration of (NH)C=O group.SEM analysis showed shape in cylindrical, uniform and rod with the average size of250.60 nm.Conclusions:The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using bark aqueous extract ofF. racemosa and its larvicidal activity against the larvae of disease spreading vectors.The maximum larvicidal efficacy was observed in the synthesizedAgNPs.