Evaluation of the Repellency Effect of Neem ( Melia azedarach) Plant Extracts Based on the Mittler & Dadd Method

Abstract

Using insect repellent compounds, especially during the warm months, provides comfort for people and prevents spreading of the insect-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and Leishmaniasis. Poisons derived from plants contain alkaloids, glucoside and some essential oils that are taken from plant tissues. They may have repellent and insecticide properties with little toxicity to humans and animals. In this study, Neem plant1 from Bandar Abbas city was used to assess its repellency effect. Therefore, after drying and powdering using maceration method, final Neem extract concentration of 5%, 10% and 20% was provided. Mittler & Dadd methodology was hired to assess this effect. In this method, the antifeedant effect of the Neem plant extract was evaluated on cabbage-feeding aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae). After 24 and 48 hours, the reduced numbers of feces spot of aphids showed that the ingestion of the provided food mixture contained Neem plant extract was significantly decreased. Here it was shown that the Neem plant extract could be used as an efficient repellent.