Proposed standardization of assessment protocols for plant molluscicides for use in self-help control programmes

Several candidate plant molluscicides have been identified for possible incorporation into self-help control programmes against schistosomiasis, but their full potential has yet to be realised. This has been, in the most part, due to the absence of standardized assessment and toxicity protocols, and subsequently the inability to register crude plant products in their country of origin or internationally. In an attempt to solve this dilemma, a series of protocols has been designed which will provide a useful standardized guideline for investigations into plant molluscicides, as well as precipitate moves towards the establishment of internationally accepted guidelines for the assessment of various categories of plant biopesticides. Ultimately, being able to register a crude plant extract will permit health organizations such as the World Health Organization to promote the use of such material, especially in self-help control programmes, thereby improving the health standards of rural communities.