Vol. 7, Issue 5, Part A (2020)

Author(s): Emmanuel I Ogban, Olukayode James Adelaja and Ozovehe Abdulmumini Sadiq

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivities of the plant, Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen crude extract and essential oil against two different species of mosquitoes; Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Culex quinquefasciatus. Ten (4 to 7 days old) non-blood fed female mosquitoes, from each of the species were exposed to test plant- treated chamber linked to an inner untreated chamber for 10 minutes. Parameter assessed was behavioural response of test insects to treatment (test plants). There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the behavioural response of both test insects to essential oil. Both crude extract and essential oil at 0.3 and 0.5 mg/ml concentration recorded higher percentage repellency against Anopheles gambiae s.l. than the standard treatment, DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), while only 0.5mg/ml concentration of crude extract, recorded percentage repellency higher than what was recorded in DEET against Culex quinquefasciatus. These findings show the repellent potentials inherent in the test plant, thus qualifying it as a suitable alternative to synthetic chemical repellents. However further investigation is suggested to examine the mode of action of extracted substances which could facilitate the formulation of a better herbal repellent.