Prediction of Mosquito Repellent Activity of Artemisia argyi (Wormwood) from Different Regions of China

Research Group, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

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Abstract

China's summer high temperature, humidity and precipitation boost mosquito activity, increasing risks of bite-induced skin inflammation and mosquito-borne diseases like yellow fever. Commercial repellents (e.g., DEET) cause mosquito resistance and environmental/human harm, while aromatic plant essential oils are promising natural alternatives. Artemisia argyi (wormwood) has mosquito-repellent components, but existing studies lack comparisons of the same variety from different origins. This study selected A. argyi from Shandong Jining, Jiangsu Xuzhou and Shanghai, using sensory evaluation, enzyme activity detection (PAL, SOD) and RT-qPCR (eugenol, β-pinene, β-myrcene synthase genes) to predict repellent activity. Results showed Shanghai A. argyi excelled in sensory indicators (pepper aroma, persistence); Jining had the strongest PAL response, and Shanghai had the fastest SOD response. Gene expression revealed Jining had the highest eugenol synthase expression, Xuzhou had the highest β-pinene/β-myrcene synthase expression, and Shanghai had the highest expression of eugenol/β-myrcene synthase. It’s concluded that Shanghai A. argyi had the strongest repellent activity, followed by Jining, then Xuzhou, providing support for screening higher-quality A. argyi resources.