Vol. 6, Issue 3, Part A (2019)

Author(s): Ekedo CM, Okore OO, Obeagu IA and Okafor CC

Abstract: This study evaluated the effect of kerosene and premium motor spirit on the development of Anopheles gambiae s.l. larvae in Umudike. Anopheline larvae were collected monthly for a period of 3 months from June 2018 to August 2018. Larvae of Anopheles gambiae s.l. were exposed to 0ml, 20ml, 40ml, 60ml, 80ml and 100ml of premium motor spirit and kerosene respectively. Eleven larvae were introduced each into vials containing the various petroleum concentrations, each in four replicates, and their larvicidal activities were recorded and quantified. Mortality was observed and recorded after every 5 minutes interval of exposure for 30 minutes. Premium motor spirit was effective on the Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquito larvae after treatments of breeding sites with concentrations between 20ml to 100ml. The highest concentration of premium motor spirit yielding no larvicidal activity (0% mortality) on Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquito larvae was recorded at 20ml within 5 minutes of treatment while the lowest concentration of premium motor spirit yielding 100% mortality was recorded at 20ml within 20 minutes. The LC₅₀ of premium motor spirit was lower at 51.29ml and LC₉₀ was estimated to be 85.11ml. Kerosene was effective on Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquito larvae at concentrations ranging from 0ml to 100ml within 30 minutes of treatment. The highest concentration of kerosene yielding no larvicidal activity (0% mortality) on Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquito larvae was recorded at 60ml within 15 minutes of treatment, while the lowest concentration of kerosene yielding 100% mortality was recorded at 20ml within 30 minutes. The lethal concentration LC₅₀ of kerosene was high at 75.86ml and LC₉₀ at 199.52ml. In conclusion, Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquitoes of Umudike were fully susceptible to premium motor spirit and kerosene, hence can be used as larvicides in this locality.

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