Larvicidal Effect of Azadirachta indica Extract on Aedes aegypti in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Environment, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Aim: This study assessed thelarvicidal ability of the ethanolic leaf extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica)medicinal plants against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae.

Study Design: The study was a random survey design:

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Nnamdi Azikiwe University environment, Awka South, Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria between April and July, 2023.

Methodology: Respective concentrations of the plant extracts were added to twenty-five treatment trays each containing a larva (making up twenty-five larvae) and 15ml of its natural growth medium.A control, containing only larvae and natural growth medium was maintained. At regular intervals the mortality counts of larvae were monitored.

Results: It was found that the crude ethanolic neem leaf extract showed significant larvicidal effect at different concentrations.There is a strong correlation between mortalities observed in larvae and extract concentration, LC50=1.21ml, LC90=9.03ml.The statistical analysis revealed significant difference in the mortality response of Aedes aegypti larvae to different concentration of the leaf extract (P=0.000).

Conclusion: The neem plant, Azadirachta indica, ethanoic leave extract has larvicidal ability against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae and can be safely used as a potent larvicidal agent.The active principles and optimum dosages, responsible for the larvicidal activity require further analysis to be isolated. This plant would be eco-friendly and may serve as suitable alternative to synthetic larvicides as they are relatively safe, inexpensive, and are readily available.