فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

This study assessed the larvicidal effectiveness of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized using lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) extract, alongside the plant’s alcoholic and aqueous extracts, against various life stages of Culex pipiens mosquitoes. ZnO-NPs showed the highest efficacy, with mortality rates of 33.87% (eggs), 60.32–45.72% (first and second in stars), 37.28% and 27.11% (third and fourth instars), and 11.72% (pupae). Nanoparticle characteristics were confirmed using XRD, UV-Vis, EDS, and FESEM analyses, demonstrating their appropriate size and uniform distribution. The alcoholic extract was moderately effective, with mortality ranging from 51.04% to 15.99% across larval stages, and 8.5% in pupae. The aqueous extract was least effective, with mortality rates not exceeding 25% in early stages and dropping to 3% in pupae. Egg mortality did not exceed 12% with either extract. Mortality increased with higher concentrations, while larval sensitivity declined in later stages. DPPH antioxidant assays showed rising inhibition rates with increasing concentrations, peaking at 83.1% at 1 mg/ml. Overall, ZnO-NPs synthesized from lavender demonstrate potential as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides, supporting sustainable mosquito control strategies.