Vol. 10, Issue 2, Part A (2023)

Vector control is in risk as a result of the advent of synthetic pesticide resistance. Plant derived insecticides may be used as future bio control alternatives due to their target specificity and biodegradability. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of Chloroform: Methanolic extract of Michelia champaca seeds against all the larval instars of Culex quinquifasciatus, the vector of Bancroftian filariasis. Chloroform: Methanolic extract showed remarkable larvicidal properties with LC50 and LC90 values as low as 15.33 ppm and 29.77 ppm recorded against the first instar larvae after 72 hours of treatment. There was a clear dose dependent increment in the death rate, which was positively correlated with the solvent concentration and had regression coefficient values close to 1. Because the investigated non-target organisms were unaffected, the plant-based mosquitocide that was thus discovered was proved to be environment friendly. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of various functional groups in the TLC fraction such as alcohol, alkane, methyl group, amine, aromatics, carboxylic acid and ether. So, M. champaca seeds extract can be proclaimed as an outstanding larvicidal agent against Cx. quinquifasciatus, and can serve as a source of potent mosquito larvicide in the near future.