Efficacy of Limonia acidissima L. (Rutaceae) leaf extract on larval immatures of Culex quinquefasciatus Say 1823

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of leaf extract of Limonia acidissima L. (Rutaceae) as a biocontrol agent against the larval form of Culex quinquefasciatus, and characterization of bioactive component responsible for larvicidal activity.MethodsLarval mortality of mosquito species was observed after 24, 48 and 72 hours of exposure to different concentrations of aqueous extract, solvent extract and subsequently bioactive compound. The bioactive compound was subjected to IR and GC-MS analysis.ResultsMortality rate at 3% concentration of crude extract were highest (90%) amongst all concentrations tested and subsequently highest (95%) mortality was achieved in chloroform: methanol extract at 100 ppm concentrations. IR and GC-MS analysis of bioactive compound revealed the presence of steroid compound which may act as larvicide.ConclusionsThe chloroform: methanol extract of mature leaves of Limonia acidissima was found to exhibit considerable mosquito larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus.