Larvicidal effect of Mundulea sericea (Leguminosae) plant extract against Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

The medical importance of mosquitoes as vectors for the transmission of serious diseases that cause morbidity, mortality, economic loss, and social disruption, such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and viral diseases, is well recorded (Becker et al, 2003). Aedes aegypti, the main carrier for viruses that cause dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and yellow fever, is found mainly in the tropics and subtropics. There is no effective vaccine against dengue, and thus the only way of significantly lowering the incidence of this disease is through mosquito control (Malavige et al, 2004). Chemical measures were first tried, but they failed since their overuse led to disruption of natural biological control systems and the outbreak of new insect species. In addition, the use of insecticides led to the development of mosquito resistance, environmental pollution, and undesirable effects on non-target organisms (Brown, 1986). In a bid to resolve these problems, interest in insecticides of natural origin, specifically plant-derived products, has recently received close attention.