Effect of neem seed oil (Azadirachta indica) on the biological activities of female Boophilus microplus (Ixodoidea: Ixodidae).

摘要

Engorged female of Boophilus microplus which were allowed to feed for 3-7 days on cows/buffalows were collected and treated with different concentrations of commercially available neem seeed oil (NSO). It was found that average death time of mature females treated with 0.2% NSO was 20hrs post treatment, however, with increase in concentration from 0.4%, 0.6% to 0.8% the average death time reduced to 15hrs, 9hrs and 6 hrs post treatment respectively as compared 33hrs in controls. After treatment with 0.8% NSO, 8.33% females laid eggs. The mean percentage was found to be 73.68% and 66.67% at 0.4% and 0.6% of NSO as compared to 92.83% & 96.43% in control of acetone and distilled water respectively. The average time taken to start egg laying was delayed to 73hrs, 83hrs, 113hrs and 136hrs after treatment with 0.2% to 0.8% as compared to the average time of 54-57hrs taken to start egg laying in controls. In control females the number of eggs laid were 1500-2000, in one cluster. However, the number of eggs laid by engorged females after treatment was drastically reduced to 120-140 eggs laid in 4-5 scattered clusters.