Larvicidal Activity of Calotropis procera Root Extract Against Aedes Mosquito Larva

Abstract

The environment and living things are significantly harmed by commercial pesticides. It is crucial to seek out new, eco-friendly alternatives to these synthetic pesticides that are more efficient and cost-effective. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ethyl acetate root extract from Calotropis procera in killing mosquito larvae. Cold maceration for 48 hours was used to extract the plant material (100 g) using (0.5L) of ethyl acetate. Superfluous filtrate were collected using a Winchester bottle, a glass funnel, and fluted Whatman No. 1 filter paper. The extracts (filtrate) were concentrated using a rotary evaporator.  Concentrated extracts were air-dried in a fume hood, prior to the analysis. Various quantities of the root extract such as (400µg/ml, 300µg/ml, 200µg/ml, and 100µg/ml) were prepared from stock solution of the extract of Calotropis procera. This study showed that ethyl acetate extract of Calotropis procera root possessed larvicidal activity of 100%  mortality at 400µg/mL, 300µg/mL, 200µg/mL, and 80% mortality at 100µg/mL against Aedes mosquito larva species at 35 ⁰C and 91 % humidity. From the result there is a great increase in the mortality rate with increase in concentration of crude extract. Because of its  larvicidal activities, the root portion of this plant can be utilized to control and manage Aedes mosquito larva.