Potentiation of Bacillus thuringiensis by using some natural products: Novel preparations against dengue vector Aedes aegypti larvae

Dengue fever is the fastest emerging arboviral infection causing millions of deaths all over the world. The eradication of vector Aedes aegypti, is an effective method of dengue control. Although various vector control agents like chemical pesticides are available, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is of major choice as a biocontrol agent due to its ecofriendly nature. In the present investigation, curcumin, plumbagin, camphor, rutin, quercetin, karanjin, and pongamal were used as Bt SV2 potentiating agents. It was observed that curcumin and rutin had very high LC₅₀ values for fourth instar larvae of Ae. aegypti that indicates lower activity. Karanjin caused significantly high mortality at comparatively low dose (LC₅₀ - 44.59 ppm). At the same time pongamal, plumbagin, and camphor caused significant mortality at low doses of LC₅₀ 61.18, 59.23, and 71.59 ppm, respectively.