South Asian Journal of Parasitology

Larvicidal Effect of Azadirachta indica Extract on Aedes aegypti in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Environment, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Cyril A. Imakwu

Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Uchenna A. Ubaka *

Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Jennifer O. Okoye

Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Chibumma I. Nzeukwu

Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Obiageli A. Okeke

Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Mediatrix A. Idigo

Department of Biological Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Ifeanyi E. Obiefule

Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Chukwuebuka U. Uzochukwu

Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Aim: This study assessed thelarvicidal ability of the ethanolic leaf extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica)medicinal plants against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae.

Study Design: The study was a random survey design:

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Nnamdi Azikiwe University environment, Awka South, Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria between April and July, 2023.

Methodology: Respective concentrations of the plant extracts were added to twenty-five treatment trays each containing a larva (making up twenty-five larvae) and 15ml of its natural growth medium.A control, containing only larvae and natural growth medium was maintained. At regular intervals the mortality counts of larvae were monitored.

Results: It was found that the crude ethanolic neem leaf extract showed significant larvicidal effect at different concentrations.There is a strong correlation between mortalities observed in larvae and extract concentration, LC50=1.21ml, LC90=9.03ml.The statistical analysis revealed significant difference in the mortality response of Aedes aegypti larvae to different concentration of the leaf extract (P=0.000).

Conclusion: The neem plant, Azadirachta indica, ethanoic leave extract has larvicidal ability against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae and can be safely used as a potent larvicidal agent.The active principles and optimum dosages, responsible for the larvicidal activity require further analysis to be isolated. This plant would be eco-friendly and may serve as suitable alternative to synthetic larvicides as they are relatively safe, inexpensive, and are readily available.

Keywords: Aedes aegypti, neem plant, Azadirachta indica, larvicides, larval concentration

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