Effects of Crude Leaf Extracts of the Neem Plant (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) on Egg Survivorship of Blue Bottle Fly (Calliphora vomitoria L.)

Abstract

Extracts from the neem plant (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) have been known for their insect growth inhibition properties. To determine the effect of neem plant on survivorship of blue bottle fly (Calliphora vomiloria L.) eggs, bioassay was conducted using aqueous solutions of neem leaf crude extracts in 5%, 10%, and 15% concentrations (v/v). Results showed that 10% and 15% MW (mature leaves with distilled water as extracting solvent) and 15% YW (young leaves with distilled water as extracting solvent) resulted in zero egg survivorship, while the rest of the solutions showed 25%-88.88% egg survivorship. Preliminary phytochemical screening was taken using distilled water (polar) and pure petroleum ether (nonpolar) solvents. Results showed that polar alkaloids, saponins, and tannins were present in slightly higher concentrations in mature neem leaves than in young leaves. Results showed that polar tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, as well as nonpolar alkaloids are largely present in neem solutions which has shown the ability to affect egg survivorship of blue bottle fly.