Growth Inhibitory Nature of Artemisia annua Extract against Culex quinquefasciatus (Say)

Petroleum ether (Pee), carbon tetrachloride (Cte) and methanol extract (Mee) of Artemisia annua, Chenopodium album and Sonchus oleraceus were screened for their efficacy against Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. Pee of A. annua, Mee of A. annua and Ch. album, Cte of A. Annua were found effective in descending order after 24 and 48 hrs of treatment. Pee of A. annua, the most potent extract with LC50 78.2 ppm was selected to study its influence on the development and metamorphosis of the culicine mosquito. The extract significantly affected the hatching, larval development, pupal transformation and also lengthened the larval and pupal periods. Growth index was remarkably reduced. Treated culicine eggs, larvae and pupae showed deformities including disruption of the body wall, distorted alimentary canal, damaged tracheal network and arrested histogenesis. The extract has remarkable effect on the metamorphosis and high larvicidal potential, hence, can be used as an effective alternative to the existing synthetic pesticides for the control of Cx. quinquefasciatus.