The differences in the toxicity of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus lam.) seed extract and cocoa fruit (Theobroma cacao l.) extract on mortality of Culex spp. mosquito larvae: Elephant foot disease vector

Abstract

Culex spp. mosquitoes are the main vectors of filariasis. According to the East Java Provincial Health Office on 2018, the total number of filariasis (elephantiasis) cases in East Java Province was 134 cases distributed across 38 districts/cities. So far, the control of Culex mosquitoes has been carried out using synthetic insecticides. The use of synthetic insecticides is considered effective, practical, potent, and economically advantageous. However, continuous and repeated use of synthetic insecticides can lead to environmental pollution, the death of various types of living creatures, and resistance. Synthetic insecticides are hazardous to human and domestic animal health, as well as having an impact on other non-target organisms. An alternative that can be pursued is the use of natural insecticides derived from plants. Jackfruit seeds contain secondary metabolites such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and saponins. Meanwhile, cocoa fruit husks contain tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The utilization of compounds present in the extracts of jackfruit seeds (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) and cocoa fruit husks can be used to control the population of Culex spp. mosquitoes, the main vectors of filariasis. The methods employed in this research include extraction, preparation of serial concentrations, colonization of test larvae, preliminary testing, and final testing. The research results reveal the toxicity or LC50 value of jackfruit seed extract (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) towards Culex spp. mosquito larvae are 430.303 ppm, while the toxicity (LC50) value of cocoa fruit husk extract (Theobroma cacao L.) is 306.742 ppm. The conclusion drawn from this research is that the cocoa fruit husk extract (Theobroma cacao L.) is more toxic compared to the jackfruit seed extract (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) towards Culex spp. mosquito larvae.