Genotoxic effect of Rhazya stricta leaf extract against larvae of Aedes aegypti

The biocontrol methods are extensively utilized for the control of pests. For this purpose, traditional plants are extensively used in Saudi Arabia. The predestined aim was the molecular evaluation of pesticidal effects of leave extract of a desert shrub Rhazya stricta (Decne) on larvae of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae). Larvae of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) were exposed to different concentrations of Rhazya stricta aqueous leave extract (RSLE). Experimental approaches including comet assays, RAPD-PCR analysis and mitochondrial 16s rRNA gene analysis were carried out. The results showed promising lethal effects on third and fourth instar larvae by using stock solution. The percentages of adult insects emerging from their pupas ranged between 22-90% depending on the different concentrations used. The inhibitory concentration for adult mosquitoes' emergence reached about 0.057%. Phylogenic and RAPD analysis showed that these larvae are from 23 different genotypes. In addition, the extract can also inhibit the growth of human cervical carcinoma cell line, HeLa. Comet assay also confirms about the cytotoxicity compared to the control one. The whole data suggest that the RSLE could be an effective means for the biological control and can be used as pesticide.