Toxicity and life expectancy effects of <i>Moringa oleifera </i>seed extracts on the larvae of <i>Anopheles gambiae</i>

Abstract

The toxicity and growth regulatory effects of Moringa oleifera seed extracts were assessed on third larval instars of Anopheles gambiae, under laboratory conditions. Mortality at different concentrations varied but increased as concentration level increased. Mortality progressed on daily bases throughout the period of experimentation. At highest and lowest concentrations of 5%w/v and 1%w/v, larval mortality was 80% and 10% respectively in a day. Molting to next larval instar was prolonged in all concentrations. No adult emerged in higher concentrations, though few adults emerged in lower concentrations, they were weak to fly. This study clearly showed that Moringa oleifera extract has larvicidal and growth regulatory properties on larvae of Anopheles
gambiae.