SEASONAL ABUNDANCE OF CULEX SP. AND ITS CONTROL BY USING BOTANICALS

Abstract

A laboratory experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University campus to find out the seasonal abundance and to evaluate the efficiency of 5 botanicals for bio rational management of Culex sp. mosquito in Bangladesh. Five botanicals namely Lemon leaf extract, Mint leaf extract, Fenugreek extract, Chilli powder, Mustard oil and control were used against the mosquito larvae of different stages. The experiment was conducted at CRD method with 5 replications. Monthly abundance of Culex sp. was measured from the experimental sites. Form the collection of mosquitoes specimens highest single day collection was from July day 1. The presence of Culex sp. was found throughout the experimental period with a peak population in July and November and lowest in December. The mean developmental duration of different life stages of Culex sp. mosquito was approximately 20 days. The least developmental time was spent in pupal stage (2.25 days). Meanwhile, the longest duration was spent as larvae were 15.33 days. Developmental period from egg to adult was 20 days. Among the treatments lemon leaf extract performed best in case of larval mortality 52.33%. The highest pupal mortality was observed in the treatment of mint leaf extract and similar result observed in case of adult mortality (79.50%) by application of mint leaf extract.