Synthesis of Mosquitocide from the Leaf Extract of Golden Dewdrops (Duranta erecta)

Mosquito infestation has been and is still an issue that has almost become a part of the daily life of man in most parts of Nigeria owing to their role in malaria transmission. Following this economic importance, this study was intentionally designed to synthesize and evaluate a mosquitocide using the crude ethanolic leaf extract of Duranta erecta (Golden dewdrops), a plant traditionally known for its bioactive properties. Objectively, fresh leaves of Duranta erecta were collected, identified, and subjected to cold ethanolic extraction, yielding 54 g of crude extract from 500 g of plant material (10.8% yield). Thereafter, the extract was used to formulate a mosquitocide by infusing varying concentrations (150, 250, 350, and 450 mg) of the crude extract into 50 g of candle wax and exposed to groups of live mosquitoes under controlled laboratory conditions. An observation of the mosquito mortality at time intervals of 30, 60, 90, and 120+ minutes showed a (88.33%) recorded at the highest concentration after 120+ minutes. The regression analysis of the concentration mortality response of the mosquitoes showed a strong and statistically significant positive correlation between extract concentration and mosquito mortality (R² = 0.946, p = 0.005 at 120+ minutes). Probit regression analysis yielded an LC₅₀ value of 235.00 mg/50 g, further confirming the mosquitocidal potency of the extract. By and large, the study concluded that the crude ethanolic extract of Duranta erecta exhibits significant mosquitocidal activity. These findings support the potential of Duranta erecta as a promising agent for developing environmentally sustainable insecticidal products, with practical applications in integrated pest management (IPM) and vector control strategies.