RIO DE JANEIRO
(Brazil)- Brazilian researchers discovered a plant in the North East of
the country that could be used to fight against the mosquito (Aedes aegypti)
which transmits the viruses of Zika, dengue and chikungunya.
The discovery was made by biology
students of the State University of Piaui. The study, which started in 2013,
was intended to show the effectiveness of “pinon rojo” to eliminate mosquito
larvae.
During the study, various levels of
larvae of Aedes aegypti were put on the plant. However, when the mosquitoes at
larva stage were put in contact with the substance, they died two or three days
later because of a toxin secreted by the plant, said the researches on Monday.
According to the researches, the study
showed that the pinon rojo succeeded in killing the larvae with a level
identical to that of the chemical insecticide.
The mosquito (Aedes aegypti) which
causes the Zika epidemic spreads across Southern America, and is now widespread
in Brazil.
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