Mosquito repellent action of Blumea lacera (Asteraceae) against Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus

摘要

Petroleum ether extract of Blumea lacera was screened under laboratory conditions for repellentactivity against mosquito vector Anopheles stephensi Liston and Culex quinquefasciatus Say(Diptera: Culicidae). The repellent activity of Blumea lacera extract was tested against mosquitoes incomparison with the DEET, which was used as a positive control. Results obtained from thelaboratory experiment showed that the extract was effective against mosquito vectors even at a lowdose. A direct relationship was observed with concentrations of Blumea lacera extract and therepellent activity. Percent repellency obtained at 6% concentration of the extract against An.stephensi and Cx. quinquefasciatus were 97and 98% at 0 hour and 78.8 and 76.2% after 6 hrs. DEET-2% however showed 100% repellency against An. stephensi and against Cx. quinquefasciatus up to 4hours and 1 hour, respectively. These results show that Blumea lacera extract has the potential as aneffective mosquito repellent.