The efficacy of Pajanelia longifolia (Willd.) K. Schum leaf extracts against the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

Pajanelia longifolia (Willd.) K. Schum is a medicinal deciduous tree with a history of traditional use. The use of biologically active plant materials with mosquitocidal characteristics has piqued the curiosity of scientists worldwide. The goal of this study was to see if P. longifolia crude extracts (in petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol) had any ovipositional deterrent, ovicidal, larvicidal, or pupicidal activity against Anopheles stephensi Liston. The LC50 and LC90 values were determined by varying the concentrations of the leaf extracts. The highest oviditerrence activity (98.58% at 900 ppm), 100% ovicidal activity at 1700 ppm, 100% larvicidal activity at 1300 ppm, and pupicidal activity at 2100 ppm were found in the methanol extract. This study's findings suggest that the methanol extract of P. longifolia could be used to control mosquitoes. These discoveries could aid in the development of a potential alternate source of mosquito control. These kinds of biological insect control methods reduce the need for synthetic pesticides. The study proves that controlling mosquitoes in their infancy is easier and more effective than controlling the adult mosquitoes.