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Effect of Commiphora molmol on adults, egg masses and egg-deposition of Biomphalaria arabica under laboratory
Ebtesam Mohammad Al-Mathal1, Mahmoud Ali Hassan Fouad
1Department of Zoology, College of Science for Girls, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Commiphora molmol (Myrrh) has molluscicidal effect on Biomphalaria arabica snails at low concentration (40 ppm) after 48 hours exposure. The number of dead-snails increased with increasing the time of exposure. One day-old egg masses were more susceptible (death 100% with 80ppm) to the ovicidal effect of C. molmol than the five-day old ones (Death 95% with 80ppm). However, the eggs were more resistant to the C. molmol effect than the adult snails, embryogenesis began to stop at 20 ppm and eggs were all killed at 60 & 80 ppm. B. arabica fecundity decreased at 1 ppm. Based on safety to man and animals, C. molmol is recommended as a safe molluscidide.
Insights
Commiphora molmol (Myrrh) effectively controls Biomphalaria arabica snails and their eggs at low concentrations. This natural molluscicide is safe for humans and animals, offering a promising eco-friendly pest control solution.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Environmental Science
- Zoology
Background:
- Biomphalaria arabica snails are significant vectors of schistosomiasis.
- Chemical molluscicides pose environmental and health risks.
- Natural compounds are being investigated as safer alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the molluscicidal and ovicidal effects of Commiphora molmol (Myrrh) on Biomphalaria arabica.
- To determine the efficacy of Myrrh at various concentrations and exposure times.
- To assess the safety of Commiphora molmol for humans and animals.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of adult Biomphalaria arabica snails to different concentrations of Commiphora molmol.
- Treatment of Biomphalaria arabica egg masses of varying ages with Commiphora molmol.
- Observation and recording of mortality rates and effects on embryogenesis.
- Assessment of effects on snail fecundity.
Main Results:
- Commiphora molmol demonstrated significant molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria arabica at 40 ppm after 48 hours.
- One-day-old egg masses showed higher susceptibility (100% mortality at 80 ppm) than five-day-old ones (95% mortality at 80 ppm).
- Embryogenesis was inhibited at 20 ppm, with complete egg mortality at 60-80 ppm, indicating ovicidal effects.
Conclusions:
- Commiphora molmol exhibits potent molluscicidal and ovicidal properties against Biomphalaria arabica.
- The plant extract is effective at low concentrations and shows increased efficacy with longer exposure times.
- Commiphora molmol is recommended as a safe and environmentally friendly molluscicide for controlling Biomphalaria arabica populations.
