Plant stem infused water on mosquitocidal activity to Culex quinquefasciatus Say

Abstract

Locally available plants, Azadirachta indica, Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus aurantium and Tamarindus indica stems were infused in water and tested efficiency against Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) life stages. Preliminary phytochemical profiling of the plant infused water reveals the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoid, cardiac glycosides and terpenoids. Tannins quantification revealed that C. aurantifolia had significantly more amounts than other plants. Citrus aurantium stem infused water (CASIW) caused more mortality to C. quinquefasciatus larvae and pupae. Furthermore, CASIW increased larval and pupal developmental period and reduced adult longevity. However, tested plants did not affect the morphology of the insect. Results suggested utilize this indigenous technique to minimize C. quinquefasciatus population.