Larvicidal Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Some Selected Plant Extracts Against Filarial Vector Culex Quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) (Research Article)

Author(s): L Leeja, G Nair Sulakshana, V Vemeethar, P Praniha, M Megha, V Nivedhitha, D Sumi, T S Gayathri and S Vishnuram

Abstract: Mosquitoes are the well-known vectors responsible for spreading several diseases all over the world. It is recognized that the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes has a global impact on public health. Species belonging to genera Aedes, Anopheles and Culex are vectors for the causative agent of various diseases like Dengue fever, Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis and Filariasis [1]. Insecticides and chemical pesticides were found to be effective in controlling mosquitoes. At the same time, it has several adverse effects and the mosquitoes tend to gain resistance. Hence it is high time we introduce extracts of plant origin to produce biopesticides which can be effective to control mosquitoes. As far as resistance by vectors and pests against botanicals has not been reported biopesticides can be considered pest or target specific. These are also readily biodegradable, target specific, has lower bioaccumulation, environmentally safe and lack toxicity to higher animals, can be produced with low cost and can be used by individuals and communities in specific situations [2]. The present attempt was to identify the larvicidal efficiency of some selected plants in aqueous and methanol extract against larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus, reared under laboratory conditions. The conduction of preliminary phytochemical analysis gives us an idea of the possible constituent in a plant responsible for its larvicidal activity. Statistical Analysis of data such as standard deviation, test of significance, LC50 and LC90 calculation were done. From the experimental results we could analyse that Chromollaena odorata and Ricinus communis are the most effective plants.

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