Larvicidal Activity of Tephrosia purpurea, (L) Against the Larvae of Culex quinquefasiciatus.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this work was to study the larvicidal activity of Tephrosia purpurea (L) Pers. against the larvae of culex quinquefasiciatus. The preliminary laboratory trail was undertaken to determine the efficacy of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extract of dried whole plant of Tephrosia purpurea belonging to the family Papilionaceae at various concentrations against the late third or early fourth instar larvae of culex quinquefasiciatus by following the WHO guidelines. The results suggest that 100% mortality. Petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extract of Tephrosia purpurea (L) Pers. was observed at 250ppm and 300ppm respectively. The results suggested that use of plants in insect control as an alternative method for minimizing the noxious effect of some pesticide compound on the environment. Thus the extract of Tephrosia purpurea delivers promising more selective and biodegradable agent.