Comparative Larvicidal Efficacy of Carica Papaya Leaves and Seed Extract on Mosquito Larval Population in Rice Fields in Bida Metropolis, Niger State

Abstract

This study elucidates the susceptibility of leaf and seed extract of Carica papaya on mosquito population breeding in rice fields. The study was conducted in Bida, Niger State using two rice fields sampled for two weeks. Mosquito immature stages (Larvae) were used throughout for the experiment. The leaf and seed extract of Carica papaya were prepared on instars and evaluated Larva stages were evaluated in the laboratory. Mosquito instars larvae stages (L3-L4) were exposed to a concentration of 10mg/ml, 20mg/ml, 30mg/ml, 40mg/ml, and 50mg/ml of each prepared Larvicide, (Leave and seed extract of Carica papaya) within 24hours, the percentage mean survival of the Larvae were recorded. At a concentration of 10mg/ml, 100% of the Larvae died within 3 to 12hours of exposure to seed and leave extract of Carica papaya. The mosquito growth and development were inhibited. However, both the leave and seed of Carica papaya can be used to control mosquito breeding in anthropogenic habitats of which the seed of Carica papaya is the most effective, especially in rice fields. Contribution/Originality:The study contributes to existing literature by the ways to control mosquito larvae infested farmlands using Carica papaya seeds extract. It employs sequential estimation formula which determines the concentration of extracts which mosquito larvae are susceptible. INTRODUCTIONMosquito are the most important vectors of pathogenic organisms. Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of risk for mosquito-borne infections is an important step in planning and implementing effective control measures [1]. Based on fossil evidence, it is estimated that mosquitoes may have originated in the early tertiary period, some 70 million years ago or even earlier. Mosquitoes, because of their biting nuisance and their role in transmission of deadly human disease organisms are extremely important insects belonging to the Family Culicidae in the Order Diptera [2]. Mosquitoes can colonize a very diverse aquatic habitat types in terms of size and nature, including ponds, swamps, river and stream banks, salt water marshes, polluted water in septic tanks, rock pools, tree holes, discarded domestic containers, discarded tires, plant axils and pitcher plants, rice fields, etc.[3]. Mosquitoes are important vectors of several tropical diseases in humans; including malaria, filariasis, and numerous viral diseases, such as dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis. An estimated two billion people world-wide live in areas where these diseases are endemic [2].