Acaricidal effect of herbal extracts against cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus using in vitro studies

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Parasitology

Background:

• Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is a significant ectoparasite affecting cattle health and productivity.
• The development of resistance to conventional acaricides necessitates the exploration of alternative control methods.
• Plant-derived compounds offer a promising avenue for developing novel and sustainable tick control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acaricidal efficacy of crude methanolic extracts from Datura stramonium, Azadirachta indica, Calotropis procera, Allium sativum (garlic), and Carica papaya (papaya) against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.
• To assess the impact of these extracts on tick mortality, reproduction, oviposition, egg hatching, and larval survival.
• To identify potent plant-based acaricides for integrated tick management programs.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of crude methanolic extracts from selected plant materials: D. stramonium, A. indica, C. procera, A. sativum, and C. papaya.
• In vitro testing of acaricidal activity against adult R. (B.) microplus ticks at concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 100 mg/ml.
• Evaluation of effects on reproductive index, percentage inhibition of oviposition, egg hatchability, and larval mortality using standardized assays.

Main Results:

• Allium sativum and Carica papaya extracts exhibited the highest adult tick mortality (80.00% and 93.33%, respectively) at 100 mg/ml.
• Complete inhibition of oviposition and egg hatching was observed with C. papaya seed extract.
• Significant larval mortality was recorded for all tested extracts, with C. papaya showing the highest efficacy (82.2%).
• Azadirachta indica showed lower efficacy compared to other tested plant extracts.

Conclusions:

• Crude extracts of Allium sativum cloves and Carica papaya seeds possess significant acaricidal properties against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.
• These plant extracts demonstrate potential as components of an alternative and sustainable tick control strategy.
• Further research into the active compounds and formulation development is warranted for practical application.