Acaricidal Activity of Spray Prepared from Derris Elliptica (Tubli) Root Extract Against Rhipicephalus Sanguineus (Brown Dog Tick)

This study sought to determine the acaricidal property of Derris elliptica (Tubli) roots and compared it with Propoxur which served as the positive control. The roots were air dried, comminuted into smaller parts, macerated using 95% ethanol for a few days and was filtered. The extract was then subjected to rotatory evaporator to separate the solvent. The researchers then formulated acaricidal spray using three different concentrations (1.5, 1.8 and 2%). The formulated sprays and the control were tested separately on three replicates on the test organisms, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick). Results on the experimental and positive groups revealed that all tests proved to cause total loss of motility on the test organisms implying that the crude extract has an acaricidal activity. Test results showed that there is a significant difference between the experimental and negative group. On the other hand, the positive control exhibited a greater efficacy among the three groups. Thus, the formulated spray was less potent than Propoxur. However, based on the conducted study the formulated spray exhibited acaricidal activity and hence can be used as an alternative for commercially available acaricides.

Keywords:   Acaricidal property, Derris elliptica, Rhipicephalus sanguineus