Laboratory evaluation of ethyl acetate and chloroform: methanol (1:1 v/v) extract of Swietenia mahagoni leaf against Japanese Encephalitis vector Culex vishuni group

ObjectiveTo study the larvicidal activity of a furniture tree Swietenia mahagoni L. (S. mahagoni) against mosquito Culex Vishnui group.MethodsDifferent concentrations of crude, chloroform: methanol (1:1 v/v) and ethyl acetate solvent extracts of S. mahagoni mature leaves were treated against Cx. vishnui group larvae.ResultsFive graded concentrations (0.05%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.30% and 0.40%) of crude extract of mature leaves and five graded concentrations (10 ppm, 20 ppm, 30 ppm, 40 ppm and 50 ppm) of chloroform: methanol (1:1 v/v) and ethyl acetate solvent extracts showed significant (P<0.05) larval mortalities. LC50, LC90 values were calculated at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h of exposures. Adult Cx. vishnui group mosquitoes exposed to burning coils prepared from S. mahagoni mature leaves showed smoke repellency and toxicity up to 4 h.ConclusionsThis study was a pioneer attempt to establish S. mahagoni as an effective mosquito larvicide.