Mosquito Killer
Background
Mosquitoes are one of the most medically significant transmitters as they spread parasites and pathogens, which continue to have devastating effects on human beings (Maheswaran et al., 2008). Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, filariasis, yellow fever and dengue cause extensive morbidity and mortality and are a major economic burden within disease-endemic countries . However, the use of chemical insecticides has been greatly impeded due to development of physiological resistance in the insect intermediaries
, environmental pollution resulting in bio-amplification of food chain contamination and harmful effects on beneficial non-target animals. In recent years, the increasing information on hazardous effect of synthetic insecticides on plant and animal health has alarmed .
1.2 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study was to test the larvicidal ability of Vitex negundo Linn. (lagundi) leaf extracts against mosquito larvae.
Specifically, the research aimed to:
a. determine the average time the mosquito larvae were exterminated when exposed to the following treatments: the positive control which is commercial insecticide, the control ethanol, and the leaf extracts with concentrations of 30%, 60%, and 90% Vitex negundo Linn.; and,
b. compare the span of time the mosquito larvae were exterminated when exposed to the abovementioned treatments using One-Way ANOVA and
Tukey Test.
1.3 Significance of the Study
Vitex negundo Linn. (lagundi) is considered as a medicinally significant plant.
The further results of this study could add up to lagundi’s reputation and importance, which will therefore invoke people to preserve and further utilize the plant species.
The results would also contribute to the insecticide industry as it helps find a cheaper, more acquirable, eco-friendly and effective alternative for their products. This would also benefit consumers and the populace to eliminate mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are one of the most medically significant transmitters as they spread parasites and pathogens, which continue to have devastating effects on human beings (Maheswaran et al., 2008). Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, filariasis, yellow fever and dengue cause extensive morbidity and mortality and are a major economic burden within disease-endemic countries . However, the use of chemical insecticides has been greatly impeded due to development of physiological resistance in the insect intermediaries
, environmental pollution resulting in bio-amplification of food chain contamination and harmful effects on beneficial non-target animals. In recent years, the increasing information on hazardous effect of synthetic insecticides on plant and animal health has alarmed .
1.2 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study was to test the larvicidal ability of Vitex negundo Linn. (lagundi) leaf extracts against mosquito larvae.
Specifically, the research aimed to:
a. determine the average time the mosquito larvae were exterminated when exposed to the following treatments: the positive control which is commercial insecticide, the control ethanol, and the leaf extracts with concentrations of 30%, 60%, and 90% Vitex negundo Linn.; and,
b. compare the span of time the mosquito larvae were exterminated when exposed to the abovementioned treatments using One-Way ANOVA and
Tukey Test.
1.3 Significance of the Study
Vitex negundo Linn. (lagundi) is considered as a medicinally significant plant.
The further results of this study could add up to lagundi’s reputation and importance, which will therefore invoke people to preserve and further utilize the plant species.
The results would also contribute to the insecticide industry as it helps find a cheaper, more acquirable, eco-friendly and effective alternative for their products. This would also benefit consumers and the populace to eliminate mosquitoes