The toxicity of materials derived from dried fruit of Cnidium monnieri against early third instar larvae of Culex pipiens pallens was examined using direct contact mortality bioassay. Results were compared with those of currently used mosquito larvicide, temephos. The bioactive principle was identified as xanthotoxol by spectroscopic analysis. As judged by 24 h LD50 value, xanthotoxol was highly effective (4.40 ppm), although this compound was less toxic than temephos (0.16 ppm). C. monnieri fruit-derived materials, particularly xanthotoxol, merit further study as potential mosquito larvicides for protection from humans and domestic animals from vector-borne diseases and nuisance caused by mosquitoes.

• Wang Zhangqian(Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University)
• Young-Joon Ahn(WCU Biomodulation Major, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University)