Phytochemical Screening and Larvicidal Efficacy of Solvent Extracts of Delonix Regia Leaf and Flower against Vector Mosquito Culex Quinquefasciatus
Authors/Creators
- 1. PG Student, PG and Research Department of Zoology, Nirmala College for Women, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu,
- 2. Assistant Professor, PG and Research Department of Zoology, Nirmala College for Women, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu,
Description
Background: Mosquitoes are the most important single group of insects in terms of public health importance, which transmit a number of outrageous diseases. The management of these disease vectors using synthetic insecticides has failed in part due to their efficiency in attaining physiological resistance.
Methods: In view of an increasing interest in developing plant based insecticides as an alternative to chemical insecticides, the present study was undertaken to assess the larvicidal potential of the solvent extracts of Delonix regia leaf and flower extracts against the fourth instar larvae of mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus at 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 ppm concentrations. Phytochemical analysis was also carried out using standard procedures.
Results: Results revealed that chloroform and acetone extracts of D. regia leaf and chloroform and ethanol extracts of D. regia flower displayed maximum and moderate larvicidal activity. A number of phytochemicals were also revealed when the extracts were tested.
Conclusion: Our data suggest that chloroform and acetone extracts of D. regia leaf and chloroform and ethanol extracts of D. regia flower have the potential to be used as an ecofriendly approach for the control of the fourth instar larvae of mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus.