Chemical composition and toxicity of commercial Mentha spicata and Eucalyptus citriodora essential oils on Culex quinquefasciatus and non-target insects.

Current vector control strategies based on synthetic chemicals are not eco-friendly against non-target organisms; hence, alternative approaches are highly required. Commercially purchased oil of Mentha spicata (Spearmint) and Eucalyptus citriodora (Citriodora) were examined against the medical pest Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say) and their non-toxicity on the aquatic species was evaluated. Chemical screening with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed a total of 14 and 11 compounds in Citriodora and Spearmint oils, respectively, with the highest peak (%) at carvone (70.44%) and isopulegol (30.4%). The larvicidal activity on the fourth instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus showed dose-dependent mortality and significance at a 100 ppm concentration 48 h post-treatment with Citriodora (76.4%, P ≤ 0.001) and Spearmint (100%, P ≤ 0.001). Additionally, the photomicrograph of the fourth instar larvae revealed significant physical abnormalities in the head and midgut tissues post-exposure to Spearmint and Citriodora oils. Moreover, the histological assay revealed severe damage in the epithelial cells and gut lumen 2 to 24 h post-treatment. The repellency percentage of adult Culex mosquitoes was prominent across both oils at 150 ppm 210 min post-exposure. Non-target toxicity on the aquatic predator showed both essential oils (Spearmint oil (17.2%) and Citriodora oil (15.2%)) are safer at the maximum treatment (200 ppm) compared to temephos (75.4% at 1 ppm). The in silico screening of phyto-compounds derived by both essential oils with BeeTox (online server) showed no contact toxicity to the honey bee Apis mellifera. Overall, the present research revealed that Spearmint and Citriodora essential oils and their active phyto-compounds were toxic to Cx. quinquefasciatus and harmless to the aquatic predator and honey bee.