JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY DISCOVERY
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2536-7064
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JBBD
Start Year: 2016
Email: jbbd@integrityresjournals.org
Comparative evaluation of acaricidal effect of Azadirachta indica crude extract and commercially used synthetic acaricides against Boophilus Annulatus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae)
https://doi.org/10.31248/JBBD2025.223 | Article Number: D533DFA74 | Vol.10 (2) - June 2025
Received Date: 17 January 2025 | Accepted Date: 28 June 2025 | Published Date: 30 June 2025
Authors: Hajara Zakari* , Bright Agwara Chiaka , Suleiman Zakari , Mbanu Gloria E and Lemuel Angyunwe Samuel
Keywords: Azadirachta indica, Acaricidal properties, Boophilus annulatus, cattle tick, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin
Tick infestation remains one of the major health problems that affect the productivity and comfort of cattle. The control of ticks mainly relies on using chemical acaracides. Limited information is available on the potential benefits and activity of various neem extracts on Boophilus annulatus ticks. The present study investigated the acaricidal activity of neem leaf extract at different concentrations against adult Boophilus annulatus ticks in comparison to Deltamethrin and Lambda-cyhalothrin. Adult Boophilus annulatus ticks were challenged with serialized solutions of different concentrations of both plant extract and synthetic chemical using immersion method in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) and monitored for a period of 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post treatment. Data were analysed using Log-probit regression and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results revealed dose and Time-dependent mortality and significant variations (P<0.05) among treatment concentrations. Extract of Azadirachta indica was more potent with the highest bioactive range (100%: 6:33±1.64) over the synthetic acaricides (Deltamethrin; 86.70%: 6.00±1.21, Lambda-cyhalothrin; 76.6%: 5.00±1.12). LD50 values for Azadirachta indica, Deltamethrin and Lambda-cyhalothrin are 53.56µl/ml, 22.47µl/ml and 60.0µl/ml, respectively, whereas the LT50 values for Azadirachta indica, Deltamethrin and Lambda-cyhalothrin are 63.66hrs, 76.13hrs and 66.69hrs respectively. In comparison, the acaricidal potential of the three treatments can be arranged in order of Azadirachta indica (100%)>Deltamethrin (86.70%)>Lambda-cyhalothrin (76.6%). All three treatments showed significant difference (p<0.05) and a positive correlation of mortality with treatment concentrations and time of exposure. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids (+), saponins(+), Steroids(+), terpenoids(+) as slightly present, alkaloids(++), phenols(++), glycosides(++) as moderately present while tannins(+++) as highly present. The quantitative analysis revealed the highest percentage of Phytochemical to be phenol (25.5%), saponins (16.8%), alkaloids (11.3%), tannins(10.8%), followed by flavonoids (5.5%), glycosides (4.8%), terpenoids (3.5%), steroids (2.7%) arranged in descending order of percentage presence. The study revealed a comparable bioefficacy and biopesticidal potential of acetone extract of Azadirachta indica over the synthetic acaricides and can be utilised as an effective tool for the control of Boophilus annulatus ticks in cattle within the study area and globally.
Abbreviations: CRD = Completely Randomised Design, ANOVA = Analysis of Variance, µl/ml = Microlitre/millilitre, LD50 = 50% Lethal dosage, LT50 = 50% Lethal time, LSD = Least significant difference.
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