OBJECTIVE Ticks are economically important parasites all over the world.They are vectors of different animal and human infectious diseases.Tick control is globally based on chemical acaricides,but the developing tick resistance to most of the currently used synthetic acaricides encouraged to look for alternative ways to control ticks,especially natural products that are relatively environment friendly.METHODS An in vitro screening of the effects of some indigenous plants was carried out.Twenty-one plant species were extracted and tried to have effects on the most prevalent tick species;Hyalomma drommederi of camels.Fully engorged female ticks of the same weight,were immersed in the different extracts for 5,15,30 and 60min.RESULTS Treated ticks were revived and incubated with the control groups for daily observation of their activity and egg production.While some plant extracts have killing effects after 30-60 min exposure(Rhanterium epapposum,Achillea fragrantissima and Eragrostis poaeodes)others have stopped oviposition(Artemisia herba alba,Haloxylon salicornicum,Plantago coronopus,Moltkiopsis ciliate and Lasiurus hirsutus).Most of the extracts have reducing effect on the egg mass.Marked reduction of the egg masses associated with delayed oviposition was recorded on exposure to Lepidium sativum seeds extract.CONCLUSION The phytoconstituents were determined by a standard methods and further studies are on going to determine the bioactive components that may have the above mentioned acaricidal effects.
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