Effect of Citronella (Cymbopogon Nardus) Extract on Knockdown Time and Aedes Aegypti Mortality by Thermal Fogging Method

Various methods have been carried out either naturally or chemically to reduce the mosquito population, to prevent and eradicate mosquito-borne diseases or disorders caused by mosquitoes. However, efforts to control mosquitoes should be made so as not to cause harm humans and the environment. Controlling mosquitoes by using chemicals can be done, among others, by using the anti-mosquito spray and anti-mosquito lotion that have been circulating on the market. Meanwhile, other ways are more 'environmentally friendly' to overcome mosquito-borne disorders, by utilizing anti-mosquito plants, such as citronella. This study aims to compare the knockdown time and Aedes aegypti mosquito mortality in the thermal fogging system between the use of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) extract. This research was an experimental study. The sample size was 30 mosquitoes for each treatment group; 5 treatment groups with citronella extract doses of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ml/ha. Data were analyzed with an ANOVA test. The highest knockdown time of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes was at a dose of 500 ml/ha with 20 mosquitoes in 8 hours. The lowest knockdown time was at a dose of 100ml/ha and 200 ml/ha with 0.25 mosquitoes in 5 min. There was a positive effect. The higher the concentration of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) extract, the higher the number of knockdown time of Aedes aegypti (p-value = 0.004). In conclusion, citronella extract (Cymbopogon nardus) can be used as an alternative Aedes aegypti mosquito killer to replace malathion.