Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Citrus aurantifolia Leaf extract as a Botanical Larvicide against mechanical vector of Human Parasitic Diseases

Abstract

Musca domestica (housefly) is a medically important insect that act as a mechanical vector of many parasitic diseases affecting humans and animals worldwide. Increasing resistance to conventional chemical insecticide and their negative environmental impacts have created the need for eco-friendly alternatives. This study evaluated the larvicidal potential of Citrus aurantifolia leave extract against housefly larvae. Plant leave sample were collected, washed, air-dried under shade, ground into powder, and extracted using maceration by dissolving 250g of powdered bark in 4.5L of distilled water. Photochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloid, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins, which are known for insecticidal properties. Laboratory reared larvae were exposed to different concentration of the extract (250-1250ppm) with four replicate each and mortality was recorded after 24, 48, and 72 hours. Result showed concentration and time- dependent larvicidal activity. The highest mortality (72%) was observed at 1250ppm after 24hhours, while lower concentration produced reduced mortality rate.LC₅₀ and LC₉₅ values indicated high larvicidal potency. No mortality was observed in the control group. The findings suggest that citrus aurantifolia leave extract has promising anti-larvicidal properties and could serve as a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative for controlling housefly population.

Keywords: Housefly, Larvicidal, Citrus aurantifolia, Mortality, Maceration.