Unveiling the larvicidal efficacy and growth promoting potency of fermented citrus fruit peel liquid on biological models
Besides organic solid waste pollution, present study aims to generate sustainable citrus fruit peel liquid (CFPL) through fermentation and unveil its larvicidal potency and growth promoting efficiency on plants and aquatic creatures. Physico-chemical characterization and quantitative analysis of acetic, citric and tartaric acids revealed the acidic nature of CFPL. The larvicidal assay conducted using various concentration of CFPL such as 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% against third instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus had significant larval mortality. The lethal concentrations LC50 was found to be 0.5% and p value was <0.05. Further, seedlings of Vigna radiata and fingerlings of Labeo rohita exposed to four different concentrations of CFPL had significant growth in 1% CFPL. The varying concentrations of CFPL had substantially influenced growth in terms of shoot and root length in plants whereas length and weight gain in fishes. Therefore, the salient findings of the present study are evident to state fermented CFPL as a novel and prodigious alternative to the synthetic larvicides, fertilizers and fish feed that pollute environment and its biota amidst its benefits.