Phytochemical composition and ovicidal efficacy of Catharanthus roseus leaf extract against the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

Under the Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM), emphasis was given on the application of alternative strategies in mosquito control because of the ill effects of chemical insecticides. The prime focus of this study was to discover non-toxic, easily available and biodegradable mosquito control agent of botanical origin. In the present study the phytochemical composition and mosquito (Cx. quinquefasciatus) ovicidal potential of leaf extracts of Catharanthus roseus were tested. The results of the study revealed that ethanol extract of C. roseus leaves exhibited 100% ovicidal activity against the eggs of Cx. quinquefasciatus followed by chloroform and petroleum ether. Phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract of C.roseus, showed the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, protein and quinones. The presence of various phytochemicals might have contributed to the ovicidal efficacy of selected leaf extracts. The findings of the current study emphasized the potential of C. roseus leaves for controlling the mosquito population