Technology Overview
Global incidence of mosquito-borne diseases have grown dramatically in the last decade. A novel sunlight-activated larvicide has been developed from a plant source that is lethal and effective against Aedes mosquito larvae while remaining non-toxic to other non-translucent aquatic organisms and environment. Sunlight generates free radicals that are highly lethal and effective to kill larvae.
This larvicide could be a new eco-friendly solution in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and zika. It provides a new avenue for the control of the mosquito vector population by targeting the mosquito larvae before they become adult mosquitoes.
Technology Features
- The larvicide is derived from food-grade plant source and is environment friendly.
- Modified by chemical synthesis to enhance its stability in the environment.
- Effectively kills mosquito larvae in low concentrations; demonstrated through an NEA approved simulated field trial.
- The larvicide is activated by sunlight, but also demonstrate effective larvicidal activity on less sunny or cloudy days.
Potential Applications
- Mosquito vector control programme.
- This larvicide can be applied directly to mosquito breeding sites.
- Local pesticide manufacturers and distributers who prefers 'green' larvicide, derived from natural source.
Benefits
- Green and environmentally friendly.
- Kills almost 100% of Aedes larvae.
- Lethal to mosquito larvae at a low concentrations thus require very small dosages to be effective.
- Harmless to non-translucent organisms, and thus safe for other aquatic animals to ingest.
- Reduce the use of chemical pesticides and frequency for fogging.
Commercialisation
- This technology is available for licensing and technology transfer.