A Study of Effects of Seed Extracts of Moringa Oleifera on Development of Aedes Aegypti L.

Aedes aegypti is a vector of dengue, Zika virus, and yellow fever, endemic to Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and the Americas. Various synthetic pesticides have been used against these mosquitoes in an attempt to control or eradicate their populations. However, these pesticides, while effective against the target species, are now threatened by the development of insect resistance and their negative impact on the environment (Liu et al., 2016). To prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and to protect the environment and public health, it is recommended that phytochemicals be used instead of synthetic insecticides. A study was conducted to investigate the larval and pupal development of Aedes aegypti in boiled and dissolved seed extracts of Moringa oleifera at different concentrations. The powdered seeds were measured out in 4, 8, and 12 grams and dissolved in 2 liters of distilled cold water for 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. Additionally, the same weights of powdered seeds were boiled in 2 liters of distilled cold water for 5, 10, and 15 minutes. The results showed that the plant seed extracts of M. oleifera, at varying concentrations, effectively inhibited the development of larvae and pupae of A. aegypti.