The finding may help pave the way to more nature-based solutions to control mosquito populations, avoiding the use of synthetic chemical pesticides.
During their larval stage, mosquitoes are largely confined to concentrated areas of stagnant water where they feed off bits of organic matter and microbes on the water's surface. This makes them an easier target than the mature adults who are constantly moving in the air over long distances.
When seeds from plants in the mustard family are soaked in water, they release a special group of plant defense chemicals called isothiocyanates. These have previously been shown to kill insect pests and soil-borne parasites. To study whether these plants showed similar promise against mosquitoes, the research team, led by Lina Flor-Weiler of the United States Department of Agriculture agricultural research unit, prepared seed meal from four different mustard plants: brown mustard, pennycress, garden cress and white mustard.
More research is needed to investigate whether combinations of different plants could increase the effect of these insecticides. However, the researchers say that this study provides an exciting demonstration of the potential of mustard seed meals in plant-based mosquito population control.Pandora Dewan is a Newsweek Science Reporter based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on science, health and technology.
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