Larvicidal Activity of Ethanol Extract of Carica Papaya Seed Against Aedes Albopictus (Skuse)

Chemical insecticides used for killing mosquitoes have caused side effects such as development of insecticide resistance and environmental pollution. Natural products are the alternative resource for development of new bio-insecticides. This study was conducted to evaluate the lethal effect of Carica papaya seed extract against Aedes albopictus larvae. C. papaya seed was extracted by using ethanol maceration followed by concentration of rotary evaporator. Stock solution of seed extract was prepared in 0.01 g/ml of distilled water. Serial dilution ranging from 1–1000 mg/ml of seeds extracts was used for testing and Abate® was used as positive control. The larvicidal activity, behavioural and morphological changes of Ae. albopictus larvae were observed between 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours. Lethal effect was observed starting from 500 mg/ml and 100% of larval mortality was observed at 1000 mg/ml. Morphological changes of larvae were observed at 1000 mg/ml showing depigmentation of mid gut. Further studies to identify the active compounds in the ethanol extract of Carica papaya seed are needed.