Efficacy of Petiveria Alliacea (Linneaus) leaf and root bark powder in the control of filariasis vector Culex Quinquefasciatus

Abstract

BackgroundMosquitoes are vectors of parasitic diseases such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever, and dengue fever among others. They are well known as public enemies for their noise nuisance, biting annoyance, sleeplessness, allergic reactions, and diseases transmission during the biting and feeding activities. This then necessitate the search for insecticides of plant origin which are bio-degradable, non-toxic, and readily available for man use.ResultThis study, evaluated the fumigant efficacy of the powder of P. alliacea to control the adult stage of Culex mosquito. Powder of Petiveria alliacea were administered at different dose of (1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, and 5 g), respectively. Result obtained shows the fumigant effect of the powder were effective with percentage mortality of 18.33-60.00% for the leaf powder and 23.30-71.60% for the root powder within 2 h post-treatment period (P < 0.05). The synergistic effect of the leaf and root powder was also investigated. The lethal dosage (LD50) of the leaf, root, and synergistic effect of leaf and root bark powder required to kill 50% of the adult Culex quinquefasciatus was 3.76 g, 2.86 g, and 2.63 g, respectively. However, 25.06 g, 15.25 g, and 12.94 g of the leaf, root, and leaf and root powder were required to kill 90% (LD90) after a 2-h exposure period.ConclusionThese finding suggested P. alliacea powder could be a good source of insecticide which may be used for the production of biopesticides. The present findings have important implications in the practical control of adult mosquito by using botanical insecticides. These plant powders are easy to prepare, inexpensive, and safe for use in mosquito control.