Abstract:
Extracts from the neem plant (Azadirachta indica A. Juss)
have been known for their insect growth inhibition properties. To
determine the effect of neem plant on survivorship of blue bottle
fly (Calliphora vomiloria L.) eggs, bioassay was conducted using
aqueous solutions of neem leaf crude extracts in 5%, 10%, and
15% concentrations (v/v). Results showed that 10% and 15% MW
(mature leaves with distilled water as extracting solvent) and 15%
YW (young leaves with distilled water as extracting solvent)
resulted in zero egg survivorship, while the rest of the solutions
showed 25%-88.88% egg survivorship. Preliminary phytochemical
screening was taken using distilled water (polar) and pure
petroleum ether (nonpolar) solvents. Results showed that polar
alkaloids, saponins, and tannins were present in slightly higher
concentrations in mature neem leaves than in young leaves. Results
showed that polar tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, as well as
nonpolar alkaloids are largely present in neem solutions which has
shown the ability to affect egg survivorship of blue bottle fly.
