Molluscicidal activity of Nerium indicum bark

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Lymnaea acuminata snails are significant agricultural pests and disease vectors.
• Natural molluscicides offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals for pest control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molluscicidal efficacy of Nerium indicum bark against Lymnaea acuminata.
• To determine the dose and time-dependent toxicity of various Nerium indicum bark preparations.

Main Methods:

• Different preparations of Nerium indicum bark were tested for toxicity.
• The 24-hour lethal concentration 50 (LC50) was determined for each preparation.

Main Results:

• The 24-h LC50 values varied significantly among preparations.
• Lyophilized aqueous extract: 34.5 mg/l; Lyophilized boiled water extract: 42.5 mg/l.
• Vacuum-dried ethanolic extract (LC50: 4.9 mg/l) and purified bark (LC50: 0.87 mg/l) demonstrated high toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Nerium indicum bark possesses significant molluscicidal properties.
• Purified bark and ethanolic extracts are particularly effective against Lymnaea acuminata.
• Further research into Nerium indicum as a natural molluscicide is warranted.