Larvicidal properties of cashew nut shell liquid (Anacardium occidentale L) on immature stages of two mosquito species.

Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, lymphatic filariasis, Japanese encephalitis are major public health problems in India. Effective control of vector borne diseases is possible by early diagnosis and prompt treatment on one hand and effective vector control following integrated approach on the other hand. Intervention measures to restrict the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases by controlling vector population are the main part of vector control. Vector control approach in India, is mostly based on use of natural and synthetic molecules, which have potential to kill the target insect either adult or in aquatic stages. Larvicides of plant origin are currently receiving considerable attention because of their relatively harmless biodegradable properties. Since 1920s more than 2000 plants have been tested for insecticidal properties1. Recently, lot of research work is being carried out in India to search for an alternative eco-friendly effective larvicides from botanical origin2–4.