Larvicidal Effects of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Crude Leaf Extract on the 3rd Instar Larvae of Musca domestica

Abstract

Larvicidal effects of crude extracts from Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaves was evaluated against the 3™ instar larvae of the common housefly, Musca domestica (Linnaeus). Various dilutions of the extract (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0%) were used to treat bran cereals in petri dish setups. The treated food was offered to 3" instar larvae of housefly for 5 days, and data was gathered daily. The procedure was repeated for 4 times and mean percent larva mortality and mean percent-pupated larvae were determined. Data shows a progressive increase in percent larva mortality and progressive decrease in percent-pupated larvae with increase in amount of the extract diluted in water. However, the highest amount of diluted extract (1.0%) produced the lowest percent larva mortality and the highest percent pupated larvae, possibly due to the stress produced by the anti-feedant substances present in the extract. The highest percent larva mortality was attained at 0.5% dilution.