chemical composition and control potential of melia azedarach extracts against culex pipiens

Background: culex pipiens (diptera: culicidae) poses a persistent global health challenge. the overuse of synthetic insecticides has led to resistance and environmental damage, underscoring the need for sustainable alternatives. melia azedarach (meliaceae) represents a promising source of bioactive com­pounds. this study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the potential of alkaloid extracts from m. azedarach against all life stages of cx. pipiens and to characterize their phytochemical composition. methods: crude alkaloid extracts were prepared from both plant parts. ovicidal, larvicidal, pupicidal and adult repellent effects, were assessed through laborato­ry bioassays. the chemical profile of the extracts was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (gc-ms). results: bioassays demonstrated significant ovicidal activity, with 100% egg mortality at 1% (w/v) concentration. lar­vicidal activity was also notable at 1% (w/v). the fruit extract caused 100% mortality across the first three larval instars, while the leaf extract caused 100% mortality in the first two instars and 96.6% in the third. in the fourth instar, larvae showed 93.33 and 91.67% mortality with the fruit and leaf extracts, respectively. the extracts exhibited significant repellent effects, with rates of 63.00% and 60.00% at 1% (w/v) and consistently negative equilibrium ratios. gc-ms analysis showed the fruit extract was rich in insecticidal fatty acid esters, while the leaf extract contained repellent terpenoids like piperitenone oxide. linoleic acid was a major shared compound, potentially underpinning the broad-stage efficacy. conclusion: these findings support the use of m. azedarach extracts as a promising, locally accessible and environ­mentally responsible strategy for integrated cx. pipiens mosquito management.