Effects of shoots and fruits aqueous extracts of Caltrop (Tribulus terrestris) L. against Anopheles Mosquito Larvae

Abstract

The experiments were conducted at laboratory research, College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum North, Shambat; during November 2022 to March 2023. is The study aimed to investigate the effect of shoot and fruits aqueous extract of Caltrop (Tribulus terrestris) against 2nd and 4th instar larvae of Anopheles mosquito. The mortality percentages of mosquito larvae (%) were recorded after 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours post treatment the concentrations was (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1%). The results showed that both extracts caused 100% larvae mortality among the 2nd and 4th instar larvae of Anopheles mosquito; but the 2nd instar larvae were more sensitive when compared to 4th instar larvae. In general, the activity was low in the first 24 hours, but gradually was increased and no significant differences were reported between concentrations and control. Highly mortality percentages 52.5 to 100% were achieved after 48 hours post treatment, especially in tow higher concentrations (0.5% and 1%) of each extract. Mortality percentage (%) reached 100% after 72 hours. In conclusion, the shoot and fruits aqueous extracts of Tribulus terrestris are effective, which could be used as a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides against mosquitoes in the future.