Evaluation of larvicidal and pupicidal activity of Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) (Family: Rubiaceae) against three mosquito vectors

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the mosquito larvicidal and pupicidal activity against three important medically mosquito vector such as malarial vector, Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi), dengue vector, Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) and filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus). MethodsMorinda citrifolia (M. citrifolia) leaf was collected in and around Alleppy districts, Kerala, India. M. citrifolia leaf was washed with tap water and shade dried at room temperature. An electrical blender powdered the dried plant materials (leaves). From the leaf, 1 kg powdered was macerated with 3.0 L of methanol sequentially for a period 72 h and filtered. The crude plant extracts were evaporated to dryness in rotary vacuum evaporator. The larvicidal and pupicidal activity was assayed at various concentrations ranging from (100–500 ppm) under the laboratory as well as field conditions. The LC50and LC90value of the M. citrifolia leaf extract was determined by Probit analysis. ResultsThe plant extract showed larvicidal and pupicidal effects after 24 and 48 hrs of exposure; All larval instars and pupae have considerably moderate mortality; however, the highest larval and pupal mortality was methanolic extract of M. citrifolia observed in three mosquito vectors at 48 h. The LC50and LC90of M. citrifolia against the first to fourth instar larvae and pupae against mosquito vectors. An. stephensi had values of LC50=146.08, 159.07, 172.16, 185.08 and 202.68 ppm and LC90=322.12, 363.48, 388.56, 436.51 and 513.56 ppm, respectively. The Ae. aegypti had values of LC50=181.27, 210.40, 229.80, 256.73 and 292.01 ppm and LC90=407.99, 485.65, 534.14, 624.16 and 756.79 ppm, respectively. The Cx. quinquefasciatus had values of LC50=226.70, 256.97, 290.05, 316.33 and 358.11 ppm and LC90=560.35, 652.07, 733.03, 797.09 and 875.25 ppm, respectively at 24 h. ConclusionsThe results of the leaf extract of M. citrifolia are promising as good larvicidal and pupicidal activity against the mosquito vector, An. stephensi, Ae. aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus. This is a new eco-friendly approach for the control of vector control programs. Therefore, this study provides first report on the larvicidal and pupicidal activities against three species of mosquito vectors of this plant extract from India.