Oviposition deterrent activity of acetone leaf extract of Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv. (bignoniaceae) against Chikungunya vector Aedes aegypti (Diptera :Culicidae)

Mosquitoes are blood-feeding insects and serve as the most important vectors for spreading human diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and filariasis. The continued use of synthetic insecticides has resulted in resistance in mosquitoes. Synthetic insecticides are toxic and affect the environment by contaminating soil, water, and air then natural products may be an alternative to synthetic insecticides because they are effective, biodegradable, eco-friendly and safe to environment. Botanical origin may serve as suitable alternative bio control techniques in the future. The present study assessed the oviposition deterrent activity of acetone   leaf extract of Spathodea  campanulata against Aedes aegypti. For determining the influence of acetone leaf extract of S. campanulata on the ovipositional pattern of Ae. aegypti, the mosquitoes were subjected to choice – oviposition test and no – choice oviposition test.  The acetone   leaf extract of S.  campanulata were found to deter mosquitoes from oviposition. Oviposition Active Index and Oviposition Deterrent Index indicated a low preference of Aedes aegypti to leaf extract treated medium for egg laying. From the results, it can be conclude the acetone   leaf extract of S. campanulata was an outstanding potential for controlling the dengue vector mosquito Aedesaegypti. Key words: S.campanulata, leaf extract, Ae.aegypti,  oviposition deterrent activity