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ABSTRACT
The Culex mosquitoes are important vectors of filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus and avian malaria. Pesticides misuse over the years have caused various challenges that led to a need for a more environmentally friendly alternative. This study investigated the phytochemicals present in Nicotina tobaccum and Moringa olifera in a ratio of 1:1 and the larvicidal potency of their synergistic combination against Culex quinquefasciatus. The phytochemistry of the extracts were qualitatively determined. Larvicidal activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of N. tobaccum and M. oleifera leaves were conducted. Larvae were exposed to 500 ppm, 750 ppm, and 1000 ppm concentrations for 24, 48, and 72 hours, with mortalities reported respectively. Data were statistically examined using ANOVA and probit analysis. Flavonoids, Phenols, Steroids and Alkanoids were present in the mixture. At 1000 ppm, the aqueous extracts of N. tobaccum and M .oleifera recorded 86.66% and 90% mortality at 72hrs. The combined aqueous extract recorded a 96.70% mortality at 1000 ppm. Ethanolic extract recorded 93.33% and 93.37%, respectively, while the combined mixture recorded a mortality rate of 98.76%. The LC50 and LC90 values at 72hrs were 269.270 ppm and 1419.249 ppm for aqueous extract and 417.935 ppm and 963.895 ppm for ethanolic extract. The synergistic LC50 and LC90 values for aqueous extract were 403.795ppm and 821.709ppm, and 353.292ppm and 693.191ppm for ethanoic extract. Larval mortality between the two extracts were significant (p<0.05) at 48 and 72 h at 1000 ppm. This mixture should be considered as a substitute for C. quinquefasciatus larvae control.
