Insecticidal and genotoxic potential of two semi-synthetic derivatives of dillapiole for the control of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

• The compounds 1KL39-B and 1KL43-C showed high toxicity and were genotoxic to A. aegypti.
• High susceptibility of A. aegypti to 1KL39-B and 1KL43-C resulted in high mortality.
• These two semi-synthetics of dillapiole may be a potential and suitable alternative for control of A. aegypti.

The effects of two semi-synthetic dillapiole derivatives, ethyl-ether dillapiole and n-butyl ether dillapiole, on eggs and larvae of Aedes aegypti were studied in view of the need for expansion and renovation of strategic action to control this mosquito – the vector of Dengue virus –, which currently shows a high resistance to chemical insecticides. Eggs and third-instar larvae of A. aegypti that had been exposed to different concentrations of these two compounds showed toxicity and susceptibility, with 100% mortality. Classical cytogenetic assays showed genotoxicity caused by the two compounds in A. aegypti from the cumulative effect of nuclear abnormalities, indicating that these derivatives may be potential alternatives to control A. aegypti.