Screening of Lawsonia inermis (Lythraceae) Leaf Extract for its Ovicidal Efficacy Against the Mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera:Culicidae)

Mosquitoes are the most important vectors of certain human infectious diseases. The control of mosquito-borne diseases is however becoming increasingly difficult because the effectiveness of vector control has declined due to development of resistance by vectors against the currently used but toxic and environmentally persistent insecticides. Naturally-occurring phytocompounds that are rich sources of bioactive chemicals appear to be the most likely candidates for the environmentally safe, degradable and target specific against mosquitoes. Therefore the present study was designed specifically to investigate the mosquito ovicidal activity of different solvent extracts of Lawsonia inermis against selected mosquito Culex quinquefaciatus. The ovicidal activity was determined at concentrations of 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 ppm and hatchability was assessed after 48 hours. Highest percentage of ovicidal activity was recorded in petroleum ether extract. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the leaf extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, sterol, saponins, anthraquinones, proteins and quinones. These result suggested that the leaf extracts of Lawsonia inermis have the potential to be used as an ideal eco friendly approach for the control of the Culex quinquefaciatus.