Vol. 2, Issue 4, Part A (2015)

Author(s): Valentina J, Poonguzhali TV, Josmin Laali Nisha LL

Abstract: Mosquito problem has become acute in recent years and many programmes have been launched to control these vectors. The use of biologically active plant materials with antilarval properties has attracted considerable interest of scientists all over the world. In this background, this study was undertaken to investigate the larvicidal and pupicidal potential of the seaweeds of Turbinaria conoides against the mosquito species Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus. By using three different solvent seaweed extracts (aqueous, acetone and ethanol), LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values were found out and the pupae mortality was also analyzed. The results showed that the aqueous extract of seaweed exhibited high degree of blocking the development by induction of great mortality of larvae and pupae. These findings may help in developing a prospective alternative source to control the mosquitoes.