Abstract

Vector control is facing a threat due to the emergence of resistance to synthetic insecticides. Insecticides of botanical origin may serve as suitable alternative biocontrol techniques in the future. Garlic bulbs are common and widely distributed in many parts of Nigeria with medicinal properties, but the larvicidal activity of this plant has not been reported so far. Ethanol extract of Allium sativum (garlic bulb) was evaluated for larvicidal activities against the filarial mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. The larval mortality was observed after 24 h treatment. The LC₅₀ values calculated for the second, third and fourth larval instars were 144.54 ± 2.3, 165.70 ± 1.2 and 184.18 ± 0.8 ppm respectively. The results obtained show that this plant material exhibited significant activity and could be considered as potent natural larvicidal agent.

Key words: Culex quinquefasciatus larvae, garlic bulb extract, larvicidal activity.