Cajeput phytochemistries reduce reproductive fitness and development of Aedes aegypti

The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is a major concern to human and animal health. While insecticides are highly effective for reducing mosquito populations, the continued failure of these commercial products due to target-site and metabolic resistance threatens current management approaches. Previous studies have shown plant-based chemistries to be beneficial for killing mosquitoes when used alone or in combination with commercial insecticides. We have isolated the volatile phytochemistries of cajeput oil (Melaleuca cajuputi) and studied their effects on the adult female reproductive fitness and egg-to-adult development of Aedes aegypti. It was observed that these phytochemistries significantly reduce oviposition activity and limit the number of eggs produced by female mosquitoes. Additionally, these phytochemistries were observed to arrest development resulting in morphological abnormalities at each life stage. This work will not only demonstrate volatile phytochemistries of cajeput oil to be candidate repellents for mosquitoes, but also to interrupt their reproduction and development thus offering an alternative solution for reducing mosquito populations.