The Larvicidal Activity of the Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) Leaves Against Larvae

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mosquitoes are one of the prominent transmitters of diseases which cause great impact on the mortality rate in the Philippines. For this reason, many researchers explore ways on how to reduce their population. In recent years, the use of many synthetic insecticides for mosquito control has been very limited due to large expense and its environmental effects. Natural control using botanical plant is a new trend. The application of plant extracts as an alternative mosquito control strategy has been available since the ancient times. These natural insecticides are nontoxic, readily available, and affordable.

METHODS

The study utilized true experimental research design which is the most accurate form of experimental research. The collected leaf samples were dried for four days until brittle and fully dried. The leaves were sliced and cut into small portions and homogenized. Thereafter, the makahiya leaves were soaked into the ethanol and the researchers performed the iodoform test to check the presence of ethanol. The ethanol left in the solution was evaporated by means of the evaporating device. The concentrations of ethanol extract were then constituted to 30%, 60%, 90% and 100% ethanol extract. The solution was placed in each petri dish where the larvae were located and observed.

RESULTS

The data gathered in the study helped establish the larvicidal potential of MimosaPudicaagainst mosquito larvae. Average extermination time results indicated that among the concentrations, the 100% ethanol leaf extract was fastest when it comes to the time span of death and mortality in direct comparison to the 30%, 60% and 90% ethanol leaf extracts. It is also concluded that the time span of extermination is inversely proportional to the concentration of the ethanol treatments. The 90% extract, however, does not surpass the capacity of extermination by the 100% ethanol, both with the lowest extermination time among the four applied concentrations, although the time span of mortality was close. Results showed a statistically significant difference of 30% extract compared to the other concentrations. As shown in the Tukey Test results, only the significant value of the 30% extract showed a significant difference between each concentration.

DISCUSSIONS

Mimosa Pudica (Makahiya) has shown a higher larvicidal potential against mosquito larva. This implies that makahiya leaves can be an effective larvicide to control the population of mosquito vector.