Mosquito larvicidal activity of indigenenous plant extracts against culex quinquefasciatus (diptera: culicidae)

Vector control is an essential requirement in control of epidemic diseases such as malaria, filariasis, dengue, etc. that are transmitted by mosquitoes. Excessive use of synthetic pesticides causes emergence of pesticide resistance and harmful effect on non-target organisms. This has necessitated an urgent search for development of new and improved mosquito control methods that are economical and effective as well as safe for non-target organisms and the environment. Herbal insecticides of plant origin become a priority in this search. The present study is to evaluate the larvicidal activity of both aqueous and solvent extracts of twenty two plants were tested against mosquito larvae (Culex quinquefasciatus). Mortality percentages and LC50 were calculated. Among plants under experimentation, Spilanthes calva and Adenocalymma alliaceum were potentially effective.