Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A (2018)

Author(s): Naimah A Alanazi

Abstract: The larvicidal activity of four solvents leaf extracts from Artemisia annua (Asterales: Asteraceae), with four different concentrations, on controlling the Dengue Fever mosquito vector Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae) larvae was investigated under laboratory conditions. The solvents that used in the experiment are aqueous, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol. Results showed that the ethanolic and aqueous extracts caused a higher mortality of Ae. Aegypti. The percentage mortality of the Ae. Aegypti larvae by using the ethanolic extract at 50000 ppm were 99%, 100% after 24 and 48 hours. In the same concentration, a hsigher toxicity of the aqueous extract has been shown against the Ae. Aegypti larvae showing percentage mortality of 72%, 84% and 93% after 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. The LC₅₀ values of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. annua for Aedes aegypti, were recorded as 1000.38, 45.25, and 120.37, 14.29 ppm after 24 and 72 hours, respectively. The results indicated that different solvent of leaf extracts of A. annua showed a concentration-dependent deterrent activity and had a strong mortalities effect when the ethanolic and aqueous extracts were used compared with other extracts. In conclusion, this study recommends that the crude extract of A. annua (ethanolic and aqueous) could be used as an alternative method in the dengue fever vector management programs.