Home⇛Scientific Augustinian⇛vol. 15 no. 1 (2025)

Larvicidal Activity of Cornsilk (Zea mays) Biochar Against Dengue-Causing Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes

Jonn Michael M. Quilas | Matthieu Addy B. Cortejo | Jay-r S. Flores | Arianna Matilda S. Garcia | Johnnel William C. Lladoc | Zyme M. Mariveles | Dianna Marie M. Serrano | Christy Ann G Banguanga

Discipline: Pharmacology

 

Abstract:

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue continue to pose major public health challenges in tropical regions, highlighting the need for sustainable and environmentally compatible vector control strategies. This study employed preliminary laboratory bioassays using field-collected Aedes aegypti larvae to evaluate the larvicidal potential of cornsilk (Zea mays) biochar. A completely randomized design was used consisting of five treatments: cornsilk biochar at concentrations of 2, 3, and 4 g/100 mL, a commercial larvicide at 0.25 g/100 mL, and an untreated habitat-water control. A total of 105 larvae were distributed across 15 experimental units, with seven larvae assigned per 14 mL vial. Mortality was monitored at 6, 9, and 12 hours post-exposure. Repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed a statistically significant treatment effect on larval mortality, F(4, 48) = 28.76, p < .001, ηp² = .71. Mean larval mortality increased with biochar concentration, demonstrating an overall dose-related pattern: 25.39% at 2 g/100 mL, 30.16% at 3 g/100 mL, and 42.85% at 4 g/100 mL. In contrast, the commercial larvicide achieved 100% mortality, whereas no mortality was observed in the untreated control group. Correlation analysis likewise indicated a strong positive association between biochar concentration and larval mortality (Pearson’s r = 0.994; Spearman’s ρ = 0.950). Cornsilk biochar exhibited preliminary dose- and time-related larvicidal activity under the experimental conditions. However, the absence of physicochemical characterization, including particle-size distribution, surface-area analysis, porosity measurements, and FTIR or SEM-EDX profiling, limits mechanistic interpretation of the observed effects. Consequently, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary evidence of potential larvicidal activity rather than definitive confirmation of a specific mode of action. Nevertheless, the results support the potential of cornsilk biochar as a biodegradable and plant-derived material for mosquito vector management. Further investigations are recommended to evaluate formulation optimization, physicochemical properties, long-term stability, field efficacy, ecotoxicological safety, and integration into broader mosquito control programs.



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