Larvicidal efficacy of aqueous Plantain Fruit Peel and ethanolic Pineapple Fruit Peel extracts against Culex species

ABSTRACT

The overuse of synthetic insecticides to control mosquitoes has detrimental effects on the natural environment and the organisms that inhabit it. Botanical resources offer a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to pest and vector control due to their biodegradability, target specificity, and lack of resistance. They may also be more cost-effective as they do not require the use of expensive chemicals or equipment. Therefore, this study is to evaluate the larvicidal activity of the synergistic aqueous extract of Musa paradisiacal and Ananas comosus peels in 1:1 on the 3rd instar of Culex mosquito larvae. Qualitative phytochemisty of both plants were examined. Culex mosquito 3rd instar larvae were exposed to 750ppm and 1000ppm concentrations of aqueous extracts for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Data was analyzed using ANOVA to determine any statistically significant differences between the groups. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, saponins, and phenols. At 750ppm and 100ppm extracts showed mortality of 100% before 72 hours. LC50 and LC90 were calculated respectively as 750.0 ppm and 1515.0 ppm at 24 hours. There was significant mortality p<0.05 at 48 hours of exposure. The synergistic aqueous extract of Musa paradisiacal and Ananas comosus fruit peels extracts showed promising larvicidal activity. The fruit peels which are waste materials can be exploited as an ideal eco-friendly larvicide, which could be used as an alternative for synthetic pesticides