The Efficacy of Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica) Leaves as an Ovicide and Larvicide for Mosquitoes

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Neem Tree (Azadirachtin indica) leaves opened another way to secure safety against mosquito’sgrowth by monitoring larvicidal activity which helped to lessen the number of dengue cases in the community and in school. The researcher focused in the efficacy of Neem Tree leaves as an avicide and larvicide for mosquitoes, the differences between the various amounts of Neem leaves in terms of ovicidal activity and larvicidal property.

METHODS

The researcher prepared three samples with 25%, 50% and 75% concentrations. The leaves were detached from twigs and weighed. It has been dried for 20 minutes at 180oC using oven and cooled for 2 minutes. Blend the samples for 3 minutes then placed the powdered leaves in a black plastic, mixed with 250 ml of water. The samples were then placed in dark corners. The larvicidal activity of the neem tree leaves was evaluated by counting the number of larvae in the samples. It was observed from varying time such as; 6 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours respectively.

RESULTS

It shows that, in 24 hours for 25% concentration of neem tree leaves there are four mosquito eggs, while for 75% concentration there are 10 mosquito eggs. In 48 hours, for 25% concentration 1 egg was hatched, and 3 eggs remained in the OL trap. For 50% concentration, there are 3 mosquito eggs present, while in 75% concentration are 19 mosquitoes has been counted.

DISCUSSIONS

Based from the data gathered, the researcher found out that there is significance difference between the different concentrations of neem tree leavesin terms of its larvicidal and ovicidal property. It can be concluded that Neem Tree leaves with greater concentrations has the greater capability for larvicidal and ovicidal activity of mosquitoes.