African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 2 (9), pp. 325-327, September 2003

ISSN 1684-5315  © 2003 Academic Journals

Short Communication

Larvaecidal effects of aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) on the larvae of Anopheles mosquito

ALIERO, B.L.

Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto-Nigeria.

*Corresponding author;Tel.: 234-060-237970; e-mail: blaliero@yahoo.co.uk.

Accepted 8 August 2003

The effect of crude aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) against the larvae of Anopheles mosquito was investigated. Exposure of the larvae to undiluted extracts of seed oil, leaf and bark for 12 hours led to 100, 98, and 48% mortality, respectively. Dilution of these extracts also resulted in mortality of the larvae. We suggest that the seed oil and leaf extract of neem contain properties that could be developed and used in the control of mosquitoes in the tropics.

Key words: Anopheles mosquito, neem, Azadirachta indica.