Laboratory assessment of the molluscicidal activity of Commiphora molmol (Myrrh) on Biomphalaria alexandrina, Bulinus truncatus and Lymnaea cailliaudi

Abstract

The molluscicidal properties of the oil extract of Commiphora molmol (Myrrh) were tested against Egyptian snail species: Biomphalaria alexandrina, Bulinus truncatus and Limnaea cailliaudi. The impact of the extract on the egg cluches of B. alexandrina and L. cailliaudi was also evaluated. Snails and their eggs were exposed for 24 and 48 hr at 22-26 degrees C to various concentrations of the extract. The results showed different susceptibilities B. alexandrina showed higher LD50 and LD90 (155, 195 ppm) than B. truncatus (50, 95 ppm) and L. cailliaudi (50, 85 ppm) after 24 hr exposure. 100% mortality was obtained for the egg cluches of B. alexandrina and L. cailliaudi at concentrations of 100 ppm and 75 ppm respectively. Lower concentrations were needed to obtain the same results after 48 hr. The present laboratory studies demonstrated that Myrrh has a molluscicidal effect on the snail intermediate hosts, particularly on their eggs. Field studies are recommended.