Control of Musca domestica third instar larvae by the latex of Calotropis procera (Family: Asclepiadaceae).

Abstract

Calotropis procera (Family: Asclepiadaceae) is known to contain alkaloids, steroids and resinous substance. Different concentrations of its latex were topically applied to the 3rd stage larvae of Musca domestica. A dose of 3 ul (5% of the latex) killed and partially digested the larvae in three hours. The effect of this latex is most probably enzymatic in nature. No doubt, the shift to plant extracts in controlling insect-vectors or pests in general, pave the way to a health environment.