The Toxicity of Extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Aridan), Delonix regia (Flame of the Forest) and Raphia vinifera (Raffia Palm) on the Larvae of Anopheles gambiae

Abtract: The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Fabiaceae) and seeds of Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf (Fabiaceae) and Raphia vinifera L. (Arecaceae) were tested on the second instar larvae of Anopheles gambiae (L) at varying concentrations. With percentage mortality, T. tetraptera (59.17%) in ethanol was the most effective followed by D. regia (42.78%) in ethanol, T. tetraptera (31.67%) in water, D. regia (20.56%) aqueous extract and R. vinifera (19.44%) in ethanol, while the aqueous extract of R. vinifera (16.39%) was the least active. On the basis of 24hrs LC values, T. tetraptera (0.08g/ml) ethanolic 50 extract was the most toxic followed by the ethanolic extract of D. regia (1.4mg/ml), aqueous extract of T. tetraptera (5.37%), ethanolic form of R. vinifera (10%), D. regia (11.5%) aqueous extract while the aqueous forms of R. vinifera (12.5%) was the least active. For all the plants used, there were significant difference among the ethanolic extracts and the aqueous forms. This could also make mosquito control in rural area become easier than before and will also be less toxic to other non-target species.