Larvicidal efficacy of botanical extracts against two important vector mosquitoes

M. Govindarajan, R. Sivakumar, A. Amsath*, S. Niraimathi**

Division of Vector Biology and Phytochemistry, Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar (India)
*Postgraduate & Research Department of Zoology, Khadir Mohideen College, Adirampattinam (India)
**Postgraduate & Research Department of Biochemistry, RVS College of Arts and Science, Karaikal (India)

---

• Parasitology

Objective: To determine the larvicidal efficacy of different solvent leaf extract of Ervatamia coronaria and Caesalpinia pulcherrima against Anopheles subpictus and Culex tritaeniorhynchus.

Materials and Methods: Twenty five early third instar larvae of Anopheles subpictus and Culex tritaeniorhynchus were exposed to various concentrations and were assayed in the laboratory. The larval mortality was observed after 24 h of treatment.

Results: Among three solvent extracts tested the maximum efficacy was observed in the methanol extract. The LC50 (LC90) values of Ervatamia coronaria and Caesalpinia pulcherrima against early third instar of Anopheles subpictus were 86.47 (159.59) and 113.26 (207.73) ppm and Culex tritaeniorhynchus were 131.53 (245.37) and 165.28 (299.45) ppm, respectively. No mortality was observed in controls.

Conclusions: From the results it can be concluded the crude extract of Ervatamia coronaria and Caesalpinia pulcherrima were excellent potential for controlling Anopheles subpictus and Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquito larvae.

Corresponding Author: M. Govindarajan, Ph.D.; e-mail: drgovind1979@rediffmail.com

Free PDF Download