Comparative larvicidal property of leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata L (Composidae) and Chlopyrifos (organophosphorus compound) on Simulium larvae.

Objective: To assess the phytochemical properties of Chromoleana odorata in the control of blackflies to help check the problem of environmental pollution from the use of chemical insecticides.

Methods: Dried pulverized leaves of Chromolaena odorata (100 g) were soaked in distilled water for 24 hours and the extract was filtered, marc pressed and evaporated over water bath. Stock solution of the dried mass (1 g) was concentrated by dissolving in 100 mL of water. Serial dilutions (100 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/L, and 0.001 mg/mL) of both the extract and Chlopyrifos (organo phosphorus) were prepared and toxicity was tested on the larvae of Simulium species.

Results: The chemical compound recorded 100% larval mortality at all concentrations while the plant extract recorded 100% larval mortality in three (100, 10, and 1 mg/mL) of its diluent concentration. The percentage of larval mortality by chemical compound and plant extract was statistically insignificant (t=0.2456, P>0.05), but the mortality rate was significant within 30 min interval of exposure time (t=3.756, P<0.05). The LC50 of the plant extract was determined at about 0.001 mg/mL concentration. This showed that the plant extract had an appreciable larvicidal property close to that of the chemical compound.

Conclusion: This result indicates the usefulness of plant materials in the control of obnoxious insect vectors of mn. It also opens additional approach to the management of environment from toxic chemicals that are non-biodegradable and cause environmental imbalance in the ecosystem.