LARVICIDAL PROPERTIES OF CASSIA SIAMEA LEAF AGAINST Aedes aegypti LARVAE

Abstract

The efficacy of mosquito larvicidal of Cassia siamea leaf aqueous extract was investigated by determining the median lethal concentration, LC50, within 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Additional, the 25% 24?hr LC50 of this extract against the Aedes aegypti larva was investigated after 24 hours exposure by using the histopathological analysis. The histology of the midgut was studied and it was found to be different from the normal larvae such as separation of the epithelial cells from the basement membrane, elongation protruded into its lumen, disruption of the microvilli, appearance several vesicles and cytoplasm masses. This study is the first report of the toxicity and histopathological effects of the C. siamea as a bioinsecticide in the midgut of A. aegypti larvae. The results of this study suggested that the aqueous extract of this leaf had a larvicidal property and it can be used effectively as indigenous mosquito control agents, alternative to conventional chemical mosquito larvicides.