EVALUATION OF MOSQUITOCIDAL ACTIVITY OF WATER EXTRACT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA SEEDS AGAINST CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) IN PAKISTAN

The water extract of Moringa oleifera seeds was evaluated for larvicidal, pupicidal and repellent effect against the Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae). Larvicidal effect of the treatments was assessed at different concentrations (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg/L) after 6, 12, 18 and 24 h of the exposure against 2nd and 4th instar larvae, following the procedure of WHO with some modifications. The pupicidal activity was checked at same dose rates after 48 h of the treatments. The repellent activity of the extract was performed with human volunteers and dose-response method was used to estimate the percentage protection. The results indicated significant effect of the treatments and the effectiveness increased with extended exposure interval and enhanced dose rates. The findings of the present study clearly revealed that water extract of M. oleifera seeds is an effective agent for the control of C. quinquefasciatus at its larval and pupal stage and exhibits good repellent action against adults, however, the efficacy depends upon dose rates and the exposure interval.