Evaluation of Solanum trilobatum L. (Solanaceae) aerial extracts for mosquito larvicidal activity against the filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae)

Crude petroleum ether, chloroform, and acetone aerial extracts of Solanum trilobatum were tested for larvicidal activity against the filarial vector, Culex quinquefasciatus. Standard W.H.O. protocols with minor modifications were adopted for the larvicidal bioassay. Larvicidal activity was evaluatedat concentrations of 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/L. Larval mortality was observed for 24 and 48 h. Amongst the solvent extracts tested, petroleum ether exhibited highest larvicidal activity and LC50 values was 203.87 and 165.04 followed by acetone and chloroform extract which were 295.87 and 186.38; 535.74 and 346.08 mg/L after 24 and 48 h respectively. Further investigations are needed to explore the larvicidal activity of the petroleum ether aerial extract of this plant against a wide range of mosquito species and also the active ingredient(s) of the extract responsible for larvicidal activity should be identified.