The Insecticidal Activity of Artemisia absinthium leaves Extracts Against Blowfly,Chrysomya albiceps (Calliphoridae)

This study was carried out to evaluate the biological effects of methanolic, acetone and petroleum ether leaves extract of Artemisia absinthium against the 1st instar larvae of Chrysomya albiceps. All extracts have toxicity against the larvae of C. albiceps. The larvicidal, pupicidal and adulticidal activity of these extracts was varied depending on the solvent used in the extraction and the dose of the extract. Complete larval mortality percent (100%) was caused only by the petroleum ether extract of at 0.4g/ml with (Lc50 0.11 g/ml). Methanol and acetone extract had delayed toxic effects on pupae resulted from treated larvae. The toxicity of all plant extracts was extended to the adults that resulted from the treated larvae. Larval and pupal duration showed a significant increase. The growth index for treated larvae and resulted pupae was greatly affected by methanol and acetone extract. The highest retardation in growth was recorded at the highest concentration of 0.4g/ml by acetone leaves extract (2.2 vs. 8.4 for control).