Abstract
The quest for alternatives to chemical-based insecticides has raised inquiries on various plant products for their potential efficacy in killing or repelling mosquitoes and eco-friendliness. However, as research inquiries build up, populations in endemic areas are still vulnerable to active malaria transmission maintained by competent vectors. Practical solutions deriving from research inferences should constantly be delivered by easy and affordable means to vulnerable populations. This study assessed the larvicidal efficacy of aqueous extract of Citrus sinensis, to determine the potentiality of developing a cheap, effective, and eco-friendly product from a local plant for environmental control of the malaria mosquito. Weighed quantities, 50g, 100g, 150g and 200g of fresh orange fruit (Citrus sinensis) peels were respectively subjected to low heating in 100ml of distilled water for 30 minutes and allowed to soak for 24 hours, to obtain stock aqueous extract of 0.5g/ml, 1.0g/ml, 1.5g/ml and 2.0g/ml concentrations, respectively. Thirty 4th instar larvae of Anopheles species maintained in 100ml of natural breeding source water were treated with the extracts. Twenty four (24)-hour exposure produced concentration-dependent mortality of mosquito larvae (p < 0.05). Percentage mortality ranged between 65.57% and 100%, with 2.0g/ml concentration at all test volumes causing 100% mortality. The results suggest that aqueous extract of C. sinensis could be a potent eco-friendly mosquito control agent. This study documents the feasibility and effectiveness of a simple extraction method applicable at home for local and massive community-based malaria vector control. However, field trials of this simple procedure would ascertain the extent of achievable success.
Highlights
Introduction malaria transmission by the Anopheles mosquito was established as early as 1898 [1], the first global effort against the disease directed at the vector did not come until 1955 when the World Health Organisation (WHO) initiated the Global Eradication of Malaria Program
Zero larvicidal activity was recorded with 0.5 g/ml and 1.0 g/ml concentrations at all test volumes of the aqueous extract
The focus of this study was on testing the potentialities of aqueous extract of a common and readily available plant product as larvicidal agent against malaria mosquito as a contribution to the on-going quest for eco-friendly vector control measures for the tropical disease
Summary
Malaria transmission by the Anopheles mosquito was established as early as 1898 [1], the first global effort against the disease directed at the vector did not come until 1955 when the World Health Organisation (WHO) initiated the Global Eradication of Malaria Program. The theory of the eradication programme was based on application of residual insecticides on a total coverage basis over time to stop transmission, while chemotherapy was to be a safeguard to eliminate actual or potential foci of infection to ensure success of the insecticidal campaign, [2]. With the declaration of malaria control a global priority via resolution WHA 42.30 (1989) by the World Health Assembly, the subsequent World Declaration on the Control of Malaria in 1992 gave rise to the Global Malaria Control Strategy, to focus on the following elements: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of cases; chemoprophylaxis in high risk groups; reduction of man-vector contact; vector control in appropriate epidemiological settings; prediction, prevention, prompt and effective management of epidemics; monitoring and evaluation; information, education and communication; Research [4][5][6].
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