Larvicidal effectiveness of aqueous extracts of Solanum incanum L. (Solanaceae) against Boophilus decoloratus (Acari: Ixodidae) cattle tick larvae

Abstract

Livestock tick infestation and tick-borne diseases cause significant loss in the livestock sector. This problem is especially severe for livestock owners in developing countries who have limited or no access to modern veterinary information and services. Therefore, the use of medicinal plant-based formulations is better alternatives for tick control. Solanum incanum L. is one of the medicinal plants used against livestock tick infestation in Ethiopia. However, limited efforts were made to investigate the larvicidal effects of extracts of the plant against the larvae of the most common tick species. This study reports the larvicidal effects of crude aqueous extracts of the aboveground parts of S. incanum L. against Boophilus decoloratus. Fruit, leaf, and stem extracts were effective in killing B. decoloratus larvae at 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40% (w/v) concentration after 24 and 48 hrs of treatment. Fruit crude aqueous extract at 40% (w/v) concentration resulted in the highest mortality rate after 24 (92.0 ± 6.3) and 48 hours (97.6 ± 2.1) (p ≤ 0.05). The larvicidal effects of crude leaf extract (at 20 and 40% (w/v)) were also high. The fact that leaf crude extracts have resulted in high larvicidal effects opens ample opportunities for livestock owners to use the leaves in preparing formulations for tick control throughout the year. Studies aiming at elucidating the biocidal properties, phytochemical constituents, medicinal and pharmaceutical potential, industrial applications, and effective conservation strategies can help in establishing a comprehensive profile and mechanisms of sustainable use of the plant.

Keywords

• aqueous extracts
• boophilus decoloratus
• larvicidal activities
• solanum incanum l