One of the mandates of NAVRC, is to screen Nigerian plants to determine their pesticide properties. Insecticide resistance no doubt is becoming a problem for many vector control programs. The frequent use of chemical insecticides has led to enhanced resistance in mosquitoes and other vectors in addition to their many side effects such as: negative environmental and health impacts and other disadvantages.
To alleviate these problems, the Phytochemistry Unit of NAVRC, is currently conducting a research on the use of biological active plant extracts as an alternative to synthetic insecticides.
Soxhlet extraction of plants
Bioactive plant’s properties have proven more ecologically sound and environmentally acceptable for vector control. The Unit therefore, is carrying out investigation of the active components from plants such as neem, moringa, orange peels, scent leaf, paw-paw, bitter cola, kolanut, bush mint, lemon grass etc, to determine their larvicidal and adulticidal properties against mosquitoes and other vectors.
Ashing of plants with Muffle Furnace
Analysis of the ashed samples
When this investigation is concluded, it will provide an alternative to synthetic insecticides due to their generally low environmental pollution, low toxicity to human and other advantages.
The Research Team
