SECONDARY PLANT METABOLITES OF LEAF EXTRACTS OF COMMON WIRE WEED (Sida acuta), CATNIP (Nepeta cataria) AND NEEM (Azadirachta indica) AND THEIR LARVICIDAL ACTIVITIES AGAINST MOSQUITO (Aedes aegypti)

Abstract

Dengue is a viral disease caused by dengue virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Extensive use of chemical insecticides for control of diseases vectors has created problems related to pesticide resistance to vectors. adverse environmental effects. high operational cost. pest resurgence and vertebrate toxicity. Hence the emphasis should be given on botanical insecticides which are more eco-friendly and effective. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of some indigenous plant extracts to control the larva of mosquito in the laboratory of Sher-e-Bangia Agricultural University, Dhaka. The bioassay of the extracts revealed their high potential as larvacides which increase with the increase in concentration of 2. 5 and 10 mgIL respectively. The Nepeta cataria showed highest mortality rate at different concentration of the extract with LC,,, of 0.98 mg/L. The phytochemical analysis shows the three extract to contain secondary plant metabolites like alkaloids. flavonoids, saponins and terpenoids at different concentrations. The study revealed that the extracts are very potent against the larva of the mosquito, therefore more effort should be made to harness the potential of these available raw material as botanical pesticide.