Failure of the "mosquito plant", Pelargonium x citrosum 'van Leenii', to repel adult Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus in Florida

J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 1994 Dec;10(4):473-6.

Abstract

The efficacy of the "mosquito plant", Pelargonium x citrosum 'van Leenii', as an area-wide repellent against adult host-seeking Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus females was evaluated. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the number of mosquitoes landing on the forearms of human subjects in locations where plants were present compared with areas without plants. In laboratory cage trials, more Cx. quinquefasciatus adults rested on excised leaves of this cultivar compared side-by-side with similar size and shape white paper leaf models.

MeSH terms

  • Aedes* / physiology
  • Animals
  • Culex* / physiology
  • Female
  • Florida
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Humans
  • Pest Control, Biological*
  • Plants*